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How Much Does a WNBA Basketball Player Make?

Oct 11, 2024Author: Klind Parangoni

The salaries of WNBA players have long been a subject of interest and comparison, especially when stacked against their male counterparts in the NBA. While the earnings for WNBA athletes have seen gradual increases in recent years, they still remain far below those in the NBA. In this article, we will explore how much does a WNBA basketball player make, including average salaries, top earners, and factors that impact pay in the league.

Understanding WNBA Salaries: The Basics

As of 2024, the average salary for a WNBA player is approximately $120,648 per year. This figure, however, varies depending on the player's experience, performance, and endorsements.

Rookie Salaries

Rookies in the WNBA can expect to earn anywhere between $60,000 and $75,000 per year, depending on their draft position. For instance, a first-round pick will likely have a higher starting salary compared to later-round selections. This system is structured similarly to the NBA's rookie contract setup, but the figures are substantially lower.

Veteran Salaries

Veteran players who have established themselves in the league can earn up to $234,936 per year, which is currently the maximum salary set by the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Players who have been in the league for several years and have made All-Star or All-WNBA teams tend to receive these higher salary amounts.

Factors Affecting WNBA Salaries

Experience Level As mentioned, experience plays a significant role in determining a player's salary. Rookies start on the lower end of the scale, while veterans, particularly those with accolades, can command top-tier pay.
Performance and Accolades Players who have consistently performed well on the court, whether by winning MVP awards, making the All-Star team, or helping their team secure championships, are more likely to receive lucrative contracts.
Endorsements and Bonuses Many WNBA players supplement their income with endorsements and overseas play during the offseason. Players like Breanna Stewart and Candace Parker have lucrative shoe deals and partnerships with major brands, adding to their total earnings. Additionally, WNBA players can receive bonuses for performance achievements, such as winning the MVP or Finals MVP awards.
Revenue Sharing and CBA Agreements The WNBA and its players' union have worked together to increase player pay through revenue sharing, an element agreed upon in the most recent CBA (2020). This agreement is set to help grow players' earnings as the league generates more revenue.

Top WNBA Earners in 2024

Several high-profile WNBA players are currently at the top of the pay scale. Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, and A'ja Wilson are among those earning the maximum salary of $234,936 annually. While this is a respectable figure, it pales in comparison to NBA salaries, where top players like Stephen Curry earn more than $50 million per year.

WNBA vs. NBA: The Wage Gap

The gap between WNBA and NBA salaries remains a significant talking point. NBA players earn millions annually, with the average salary in the NBA sitting around $10 million per year. The reasons for this disparity are multifaceted:

The NBA generates significantly more revenue than the WNBA due to larger TV deals, ticket sales, and sponsorships.
The NBA’s global popularity has led to more lucrative merchandise sales and endorsement opportunities.

Despite this, the WNBA is experiencing growth, and player salaries are gradually increasing as the league expands its reach.