Shining a Light on the Sun: Jen Rizzotti talks WNBA draft picks, pay disparity, orange carpet glamour, the Nika Muhl 'snub' and bold predictions

The 2024 WNBA Draft has come to an end, and it was a night filled with unforgettable moments and emotions. Caitlin Clark from Iowa was selected as the first overall pick by the Indiana Fever. Mark your calendars for Clark's debut professional game on May 14th, as she faces the Connecticut Sun right here in Connecticut!

Christine and Salt chatted with Connecticut Sun President and former UConn women's basketball legend, Jen Rizzotti. Listen below as the conversation spanned from the glitz and glamour on the orange carpet to the draft's emotional highs to the online chatter over a perceived UConn snub. Jen was unstoppable, shedding light on the WNBA's allure, pay disparities, and even teased an upcoming charity golf event. With her signature candor, she highlighted the team's consistent presence at the season's end, emphasizing any team with Alyssa Thomas on the roster has massive championship potential.

Jen expressed her admiration for the passion and diverse roles of women in basketball, stating, "I kinda love that about women’s basketball. The players in our league and in college are passionate about being more than just basketball players. They aspire to be role models, showcasing their unique styles, beauty, strength, and resilience."

Jen addressed the online backlash regarding UConn star Nika Muhl not being drafted by the Connecticut Sun, providing clarity on the team's decisions. She said, "All these people educated about the NBA are not educated about how the WNBA works. If you’re a fan of Nika Muhl, you’re happy she didn’t get drafted to Connecticut. Leïla Lacan was a future pick for us due to roster constraints." In other words, because Nika went to Seattle, you'll actually get to see her play when her team comes to Connecticut!

After Iowa's victory over Connecticut in the NCAA Final Four, Phoenix Mercury's Diana Taurasi offered a reality check to Caitlyn Clark about the transition to the professional ranks. Jen responded by emphasizing the competitive nature of the WNBA and welcoming the influx of new talent. Jen laughingly said that all the new draftees will get a friendly 'welcome to the WNBA,' but also a (more ominously) 'WELCOME.'

The ongoing pay disparity between the WNBA and NBA remains a significant concern. Caitlin Clark, as the top pick, is expected to earn $76,535 in her first year, considerably less than the NBA's No. 1 pick, who will earn at least $10 million. Jen stressed the importance of investing in women's basketball to address this wage gap, "TV viewership matters, our new TV rights deal matters, sponsors signing on matters. At the team level, selling tickets, selling merchandise, selling sponsorships and partnerships matters. If people want to pay players more they need to invest in the WNBA, they need to invest in women because at the end of the day, it’s a business."

Round 1 (No. 10 overall): Leïla Lacan, Guard, France
Round 2 (No. 19, acquired from Minnesota Lynx): Taiyanna Jackson, Center, UConn
Round 2 (No. 22): Helena Pueyo, Guard, Arizona
Round 3 (No. 34): Abbey Hsu, Guard, Columbia

Jen Rizzotti is feeling optimistic about the Connecticut Sun's chances this season, emphasizing the team's consistent performance year after year. "People always forget about the Sun, but we're there at the end of the year, every year," she declares. While many focus on teams like Vegas and New York, Jen points out that the Connecticut Sun consistently proves their mettle in the league. She feels confident about the team's roster and firmly believes that any lineup featuring Alyssa Thomas has a legitimate shot at capturing the championship title. With such confidence and determination, the Connecticut Sun is undoubtedly a team to watch this season.

Charity Golf Event

Don't miss the opportunity to play golf alongside WNBA stars in a charity event supporting the Connecticut Sun Foundation on May 8th at the Mohegan Sun Golf Club. Test your skills against Jen Rizzotti and see if you can outdrive her in the longest drive challenge!