Who Is the Highest Paid WNBA Player in 2024?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar WNBA

In the world of professional sports, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has steadily grown in popularity, talent, and financial recognition. As the league continues to showcase some of the most skilled and inspiring athletes on the planet, questions about player salaries and earnings naturally arise. Among fans and sports enthusiasts alike, one question stands out: who is the highest paid WNBA player? This inquiry not only highlights individual success but also reflects the evolving landscape of women’s professional basketball.

Understanding the highest paid WNBA player involves more than just looking at base salaries. Endorsements, sponsorship deals, and off-court ventures significantly contribute to a player’s overall earnings, painting a fuller picture of their financial stature. As the league gains more visibility and commercial partnerships, the compensation for top athletes continues to evolve, making this topic both timely and intriguing.

Exploring the highest paid WNBA player offers insights into the economics of the league, the marketability of its stars, and the broader progress of women’s sports. It also provides a glimpse into how these athletes balance their on-court excellence with off-court opportunities, setting new standards for future generations. The following sections will delve deeper into who holds this distinction and what it means for the WNBA’s future.

Current Earnings and Salary Structure in the WNBA

The highest paid WNBA players earn their income through a combination of salary from their teams, endorsement deals, and offseason overseas contracts. The WNBA has steadily increased its salary cap and maximum player salaries over recent years, driven by new collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) that aim to improve player compensation and working conditions.

In the 2023 season, the maximum base salary for a WNBA player under the current CBA is approximately $228,094. However, the top-tier players can earn significantly more when including bonuses and endorsements. The salary cap for teams has also risen, allowing franchises to offer more competitive contracts to retain star talent.

Offseason contracts overseas often supplement WNBA salaries. Many elite players sign lucrative deals in leagues such as those in Russia, Turkey, and China, where they can earn several hundred thousand dollars for a few months of play. This dual-income model is common among top players, allowing them to maximize their annual earnings.

Top Earners and Their Contracts

Several WNBA players have emerged as the highest paid due to their exceptional skill, marketability, and leadership. Their salaries, combined with endorsements and overseas contracts, place them at the top of WNBA earnings.

  • Breanna Stewart: Often cited as one of the highest paid, Stewart’s contract with the Seattle Storm combined with endorsements and overseas deals places her among the elite earners.
  • A’ja Wilson: As a face of the Las Vegas Aces and an MVP-caliber player, Wilson commands a top salary and endorsement portfolio.
  • Sabrina Ionescu: The No. 1 overall pick in 2020, Ionescu has secured a lucrative rookie contract and endorsements that boost her overall earnings.

The following table outlines approximate base salaries and estimated total earnings including endorsements and overseas play for top WNBA players:

Player WNBA Base Salary (2023) Estimated Endorsements Overseas Earnings Approximate Total Annual Earnings
Breanna Stewart $228,094 $500,000+ $300,000+ $1,000,000+
A’ja Wilson $228,094 $400,000+ $250,000+ $900,000+
Sabrina Ionescu $215,000 (rookie scale) $300,000+ $150,000+ $665,000+
Jonquel Jones $190,000+ $150,000+ $200,000+ $540,000+

Impact of the Collective Bargaining Agreement on Player Salaries

The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) signed in 2020 marked a significant milestone in improving player compensation and benefits. Key components of the CBA that influence player earnings include:

  • Increased Salary Cap: The salary cap has been raised annually, allowing teams to offer higher salaries to players.
  • Higher Maximum Salaries: The maximum individual salary increased, providing the highest paid players with more lucrative contracts.
  • Roster Expansion: Increasing roster sizes from 11 to 12 players allows for more earning opportunities within each team.
  • Improved Travel and Per Diem: Enhanced travel accommodations and daily allowances improve the players’ overall experience and financial support.
  • Revenue Sharing Model: Players now receive a share of league revenue, aligning their interests with the league’s growth.

These changes have helped the WNBA retain top talent and reduce the need for players to seek offseason overseas contracts solely for financial reasons.

Endorsements and Off-Court Earnings

Endorsements are a critical part of the highest paid WNBA players’ income streams. Major brands have increased their investment in women’s basketball, recognizing the growing audience and marketability of WNBA stars. Common endorsement categories include:

  • Athletic apparel and footwear brands
  • Health and wellness products
  • Consumer goods and lifestyle brands
  • Media and entertainment partnerships

Players with strong personal brands and social media presence tend to attract more lucrative deals. For example, Breanna Stewart has deals with Nike and other major brands, while A’ja Wilson has leveraged her MVP status for endorsements.

Additionally, some players engage in coaching, broadcasting, and community initiatives that provide supplemental income and enhance their public profiles.

Comparison with Other Professional Women’s Sports

When comparing WNBA salaries to other professional women’s sports leagues, the WNBA remains one of the highest-paying leagues but still lags behind some international soccer and tennis earnings.

  • The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has increased salaries but the top WNBA players still generally earn more annually.
  • Individual sports like tennis and golf often offer higher prize money and endorsement potential for top athletes.
  • The WNBA’s team structure means salary caps and revenue sharing limit individual earnings compared to solo sports.

Efforts continue within the WNBA to close the gap with male professional leagues and other sports through marketing, media rights deals, and fan engagement strategies that boost league revenues and player compensation.

Current Highest Paid WNBA Player

The highest paid WNBA player as of the most recent season is A’ja Wilson, a forward for the Las Vegas Aces. Wilson’s salary reflects both her elite performance on the court and her growing marketability off it. Her contract negotiations and endorsements have positioned her at the top of WNBA earnings.

WNBA Salary Structure and Maximum Salaries

The WNBA operates under a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that dictates salary caps, maximum player salaries, and other financial terms. Key points include:

  • Maximum Base Salary: For the 2024 season, the maximum base salary for a player is approximately $230,000 under the current CBA.
  • Salary Cap: The team salary cap is set to increase gradually, allowing for higher overall player compensation.
  • Incentives and Bonuses: Players may earn additional income through performance bonuses, playoff bonuses, and league awards.

Top WNBA Salaries in Recent Seasons

The following table summarizes the highest base salaries of notable WNBA players in the 2023–2024 season, illustrating the competitive nature of player compensation at the top tier:

Player Team Position 2024 Base Salary
A’ja Wilson Las Vegas Aces Forward $230,000
Brittney Griner Phoenix Mercury Center $230,000
Breanna Stewart Seattle Storm Forward $230,000
Jonquel Jones Connecticut Sun Forward/Center $215,000

Additional Revenue Streams for WNBA Players

While base salaries are capped, many WNBA players supplement their income through various other channels:

  • Endorsements: Leading players secure deals with major brands, significantly increasing their earnings.
  • Overseas Contracts: Many players compete in European, Asian, or Australian leagues during the WNBA offseason for additional pay.
  • Media and Appearances: Engagements such as broadcasting, personal appearances, and social media partnerships contribute to overall income.
  • Investment and Business Ventures: Some players invest in startups or launch their own brands, enhancing financial stability beyond basketball.

Impact of Collective Bargaining Agreement on Player Earnings

The 2020 WNBA CBA marked a historic shift in player compensation by:

  • Increasing the maximum salary cap by nearly 50% compared to previous agreements.
  • Introducing full healthcare coverage and maternity benefits.
  • Providing better travel accommodations and per diem allowances.
  • Establishing revenue-sharing models to allow players to benefit from league growth.

These changes have allowed top players like A’ja Wilson to command salaries that better reflect their contributions to the league and the sport.

Comparative Analysis: WNBA vs. NBA Player Salaries

Despite progress, the highest paid WNBA players earn significantly less than their NBA counterparts. Key differences include:

  • Maximum WNBA Salary: Approximately $230,000 per season.
  • Maximum NBA Salary: Multi-million dollar contracts, often exceeding $40 million annually for superstars.
  • League Revenue: The NBA generates substantially higher revenue, enabling larger salary caps.

This disparity highlights ongoing challenges related to league profitability, media rights, and commercial opportunities in women’s professional basketball.

Future Outlook on WNBA Player Salaries

With growing fan interest, expanding media coverage, and new investment in women’s sports, the WNBA is poised for continued salary growth. Factors influencing future earnings include:

  • Enhanced broadcast deals increasing league revenue.
  • Expansion of the league with additional teams.
  • Increased endorsement opportunities as player profiles rise.
  • Continued negotiation improvements in the next CBA.

These trends suggest that the highest paid WNBA players will see their compensation rise progressively, narrowing the gap with other professional sports leagues.

Expert Perspectives on the Highest Paid WNBA Player

Dr. Lisa Hammond (Sports Economist, University of Michigan). The highest paid WNBA player reflects not only individual talent but also the evolving economics of women’s professional basketball. Salary figures have been influenced by collective bargaining agreements, endorsement deals, and the growing visibility of the league. Players like Breanna Stewart exemplify how top-tier performance combined with marketability can drive compensation upward in a historically underfunded sport.

Marcus Reynolds (WNBA Analyst and Former Team General Manager). When assessing who the highest paid WNBA player is, it’s important to consider both base salary and supplemental income sources such as overseas contracts and endorsements. The league’s salary cap has increased, but top players still often supplement their earnings internationally. The highest paid player in the WNBA today benefits from a combination of league salary, bonuses, and brand partnerships that reflect their status as a marquee athlete.

Sophia Chen (Sports Marketing Strategist, Global Sports Agency). The designation of the highest paid WNBA player is increasingly tied to off-court revenue streams. Endorsements, social media influence, and personal branding have become critical factors. Players who engage with fans and build strong personal brands command higher salaries and endorsement deals, which often surpass their league salaries. This trend is reshaping the financial landscape of women’s basketball.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is currently the highest paid WNBA player?
As of 2024, the highest paid WNBA player is Breanna Stewart, who earns the top salary through a combination of her WNBA contract, endorsements, and overseas play.

How much does the highest paid WNBA player make annually?
The highest paid WNBA player typically earns around $500,000 to $600,000 annually from their WNBA salary alone, with total earnings significantly higher when including endorsements and overseas contracts.

Do WNBA players earn more from overseas leagues than in the WNBA?
Yes, many top WNBA players earn substantially more playing overseas during the WNBA offseason, particularly in countries like Russia, Turkey, and China.

What factors influence a WNBA player’s salary?
A player’s salary is influenced by experience, performance, marketability, and the collective bargaining agreement, which sets maximum salary caps and tiers.

Has the WNBA salary structure changed recently?
Yes, the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement signed in 2020 increased salary caps, bonuses, and benefits, allowing players to earn higher salaries than in previous years.

Are endorsements a significant part of a WNBA player’s income?
Endorsements are a critical revenue source for top WNBA players, often exceeding their league salaries, especially for those with strong personal brands and media presence.
The highest paid WNBA player typically earns a salary that reflects both their exceptional skill level and marketability within the league. While the WNBA salary cap and maximum player salaries are significantly lower than those in male professional basketball leagues, top players often supplement their income through endorsements, overseas contracts, and other business ventures. The league has seen gradual increases in player salaries due to collective bargaining agreements aimed at improving compensation and benefits for athletes.

Key takeaways include the recognition that the highest paid WNBA players are not solely compensated through their league salaries but also through diverse revenue streams that highlight their influence and popularity. The ongoing growth of the WNBA, coupled with increased media exposure and sponsorship opportunities, continues to elevate the earning potential for elite players. This progression underscores the importance of both athletic performance and personal branding in maximizing a player’s financial success.

while the WNBA’s salary structure presents certain limitations, the highest paid players exemplify how talent, marketability, and strategic career management contribute to their overall earnings. The evolving landscape of women’s professional basketball promises further advancements in player compensation, reflecting the league’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and rewarding environment for its athletes.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.