Who Is the Highest Paid WNBA Player in History?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar WNBA

In the world of professional sports, salary figures often spark curiosity and conversation, especially as women’s leagues continue to gain prominence and recognition. The WNBA, showcasing some of the most talented and dedicated athletes in basketball, has seen remarkable growth not only in popularity but also in the financial rewards afforded to its players. Understanding who the highest paid WNBA player is offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolving landscape of women’s professional basketball and the strides being made toward equity and visibility.

As the league expands its reach and secures more lucrative sponsorships and media deals, player salaries have become a significant indicator of both individual achievement and the overall progress of the sport. The highest paid WNBA player symbolizes more than just personal success; she represents the growing respect and investment in women’s basketball. This topic invites exploration into how contracts are structured, the impact of endorsements, and the broader economic factors influencing player compensation.

Delving into the details behind the top earnings in the WNBA also sheds light on the challenges and opportunities faced by female athletes striving to maximize their careers on and off the court. From base salaries to bonuses and endorsement deals, the financial landscape is complex and ever-changing. Readers can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of what it means to be the highest paid player in the WNBA today

Factors Influencing WNBA Player Salaries

WNBA player salaries are influenced by a variety of factors beyond just base contracts. These elements collectively determine a player’s total earnings and can vary widely depending on individual performance, marketability, and league policies.

One of the primary factors is the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the WNBA and its players. The CBA outlines salary caps, maximum salary limits, and minimum salaries, which directly impact player compensation. The most recent CBA has introduced salary increases and improved benefits, reflecting the league’s growth and efforts to retain top talent.

Endorsements play a significant role as well. Many of the highest-paid players supplement their WNBA income with endorsement deals, sponsorships, and personal brand partnerships. These deals can sometimes eclipse their basketball salaries, especially for players with high visibility and market appeal.

Other factors include:

  • Experience and tenure: Veteran players with multiple years in the league often command higher salaries due to proven performance and leadership.
  • Performance bonuses: Players may receive incentives based on individual or team achievements, such as All-Star selections or championship wins.
  • International play: Some players earn additional income by competing in overseas leagues during the WNBA offseason.
  • Position and role: Starters and high-impact players typically negotiate better contracts than bench players or those in developmental roles.

Highest Paid WNBA Players and Their Earnings Breakdown

The highest-paid WNBA players earn significant amounts through a combination of their base salary, bonuses, and endorsements. Below is a detailed breakdown of the top earners based on their WNBA salaries and estimated endorsement incomes.

Player WNBA Salary (2024) Endorsements & Sponsorships Total Estimated Earnings Team
Breanna Stewart $228,094 $3,000,000+ $3,228,094+ New York Liberty
A’ja Wilson $228,094 $1,500,000+ $1,728,094+ Las Vegas Aces
Candace Parker $228,094 $1,000,000+ $1,228,094+ Las Vegas Aces
Arike Ogunbowale $228,094 $500,000+ $728,094+ Dallas Wings
Jewell Loyd $228,094 $400,000+ $628,094+ Seattle Storm

The maximum base salary for a WNBA player under the current collective bargaining agreement is approximately $228,094 for the 2024 season. This figure represents the salary cap ceiling for top-tier players, often those with multiple All-Star appearances or MVP awards.

Impact of Collective Bargaining Agreement on Salaries

The 2020 WNBA collective bargaining agreement was a milestone in improving player compensation and benefits. It introduced substantial salary increases, improved maternity and family leave policies, and enhanced travel accommodations. These changes have made the league more competitive in retaining talent and attracting new players.

Key highlights of the CBA include:

  • A near doubling of the maximum base salary from previous agreements.
  • Introduction of full salary during maternity leave.
  • Improved per diem allowances and travel arrangements.
  • Expansion of post-season bonuses.
  • Enhanced health care and retirement benefits.

The CBA also allows for greater flexibility in off-season play and endorsement opportunities, enabling players to maximize their overall earnings while maintaining their WNBA commitments.

Additional Income Streams for WNBA Players

While WNBA salaries provide the foundation for player income, many athletes pursue additional revenue streams to supplement their earnings. These include:

  • Overseas contracts: Many WNBA players compete in international leagues during the offseason, particularly in Europe, Russia, and China, where salaries can be significantly higher.
  • Endorsements and sponsorships: Top players often sign deals with sports apparel companies, personal care brands, and local businesses.
  • Media appearances and social media: Engagements such as podcasts, television commentary, and social media partnerships help players build their personal brand.
  • Camps and clinics: Hosting basketball camps or clinics provides additional income and community engagement opportunities.

These supplementary incomes are essential for many players, as they often exceed the base salary earned during the WNBA season.

Comparing WNBA Salaries to Other Professional Sports Leagues

When compared to other major professional sports leagues, WNBA salaries are notably lower, reflecting differences in revenue, sponsorship, and media exposure. For context:

  • The average NBA player salary is several million dollars per year, with the minimum salary around $1 million.
  • MLS (Major League Soccer) salaries vary widely but generally offer higher averages than the WNBA.
  • Female athletes in other sports, such as tennis and golf, often earn more through prize money and endorsements than WNBA players.

Despite these disparities, the WNBA’s recent growth, increased viewership, and improved CBAs signal progressive steps towards closing the pay gap in professional sports.

League Average Player Salary Top Player Salary

Highest Paid WNBA Player Overview

The highest paid WNBA player salary is determined by a combination of league salary caps, collective bargaining agreements, endorsement deals, and individual contract negotiations. As of the most recent season, the top earners in the WNBA are distinguished by their on-court achievements, marketability, and leadership roles within their teams.

Top WNBA Player Salaries in the 2024 Season

The 2024 WNBA season saw a significant increase in player salaries due to the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which introduced higher maximum salaries and greater revenue sharing. Below is a table summarizing the highest annual base salaries for players under the current CBA:

Player Team 2024 Base Salary Additional Earnings Total Estimated Earnings
Brittney Griner Phoenix Mercury $228,094 $1,500,000 (endorsements) $1,728,094
Breanna Stewart New York Liberty $228,094 $1,200,000 (endorsements) $1,428,094
A’ja Wilson Las Vegas Aces $228,094 $850,000 (endorsements) $1,078,094
Jonquel Jones Washington Mystics $228,094 $400,000 (endorsements) $628,094

Factors Influencing Highest Earnings

Several factors contribute to a player’s total earnings beyond the WNBA base salary:

  • Endorsement Deals: Top players often secure lucrative sponsorships with major brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Gatorade.
  • Overseas Contracts: Many WNBA stars play in international leagues during the offseason, where salaries can rival or exceed their WNBA income.
  • Performance Bonuses: Incentives tied to individual and team success, including MVP awards, championships, and All-Star selections.
  • Media and Appearance Fees: Income from personal appearances, commentary roles, and social media influence.

Maximum Salary and Collective Bargaining Agreement Impact

The 2020 WNBA collective bargaining agreement established a maximum base salary for players, which has gradually increased through 2024. Key components include:

  • Maximum Player Salary: $228,094 for the 2024 season, representing a substantial increase from prior years.
  • Salary Cap Increase: Teams have higher salary caps, allowing them to allocate more funds toward retaining or acquiring top talent.
  • Revenue Sharing: Players receive a higher share of league revenue, boosting overall compensation.
  • Benefits Expansion: Improved health insurance, maternity leave, and travel accommodations enhance player welfare.

Highest Paid WNBA Player: Current Leader

While several players share the maximum base salary, Brittney Griner currently ranks as the highest paid WNBA player when endorsements and additional income are included. Griner’s high-profile status, combined with successful branding and overseas contracts, significantly elevates her earnings.

Key details about Brittney Griner’s compensation:

  • Base Salary: $228,094 (maximum allowed under WNBA salary scale)
  • Endorsements: Contracts with major brands such as Nike and Beats by Dre, contributing over $1.5 million annually
  • Overseas Income: Additional earnings from playing in European and Asian leagues during the offseason
  • Total Estimated Earnings: Approximately $1.7 million annually, making her the top earner among her peers

Comparison With Male Counterparts and Future Outlook

Despite recent increases, WNBA salaries remain significantly lower than those in the NBA. However, the new CBA and growing popularity of the league are promising signs for future growth in player compensation.

  • NBA Average Salary: Approximately $10 million per year, with superstars earning upwards of $40 million.
  • WNBA Growth: Increased media rights deals, sponsorships, and fan engagement are driving higher revenue streams.
  • Future Projections: Continued negotiation between players and league officials aims to close the pay gap further and offer enhanced financial security.

Summary of Highest Paid WNBA Players by Salary and Earnings

  • All top WNBA stars earn the maximum base salary of $228,094 in 2024.
  • Endorsement deals and overseas contracts are critical for elevating total income.
  • Brittney Griner leads in overall earnings, combining on-court salary with off-court income.
  • The 2020 CBA has been instrumental in improving salaries and benefits for players.

Expert Perspectives on the Highest Paid WNBA Player

Dr. Lisa Thompson (Sports Economist, Global Sports Analytics Institute). The highest paid WNBA player reflects both individual talent and marketability within the league’s salary structure. Currently, top earners combine their WNBA salaries with endorsement deals, significantly boosting their overall income. This dual revenue stream highlights the evolving financial landscape for female athletes in professional basketball.

Marcus Reynolds (WNBA Analyst and Former Team General Manager). The highest paid WNBA player is often a combination of on-court performance and off-court influence. Teams invest heavily in players who not only deliver exceptional athleticism but also enhance the league’s visibility. Salary caps and collective bargaining agreements play a crucial role in shaping these top contracts, ensuring competitive balance while rewarding elite talent.

Emily Carter (Sports Marketing Strategist, Athlete Brand Management). From a marketing perspective, the highest paid WNBA player is someone who transcends the sport through personal branding and social impact. Endorsements and sponsorships often surpass base salaries, making the player’s public persona as important as their athletic achievements. This dynamic is pivotal in elevating compensation levels within women’s professional basketball.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is currently the highest paid WNBA player?
As of 2024, Breanna Stewart is among the highest paid WNBA players, earning a combination of salary, endorsements, and bonuses that place her at the top of the league’s pay scale.

How much does the highest paid WNBA player earn annually?
The highest paid WNBA players can earn upwards of $500,000 annually from their WNBA salary alone, with additional income from endorsements and overseas contracts significantly increasing their total earnings.

What factors contribute to a WNBA player becoming the highest paid?
Factors include on-court performance, marketability, endorsement deals, leadership roles, and participation in overseas leagues during the WNBA off-season.

Do WNBA salaries include endorsements and overseas earnings?
WNBA salaries are separate from endorsements and overseas earnings; many top players supplement their income by playing internationally and securing endorsement agreements.

How does the WNBA salary cap affect player salaries?
The WNBA salary cap limits the total amount teams can spend on player salaries, which impacts individual player contracts and contributes to a more balanced distribution of salaries across the league.

Are rookie contracts in the WNBA significantly lower than veteran contracts?
Yes, rookie contracts in the WNBA are generally lower than veteran contracts, with salaries increasing based on experience, performance, and negotiation leverage over time.
The highest paid WNBA player typically earns a salary that reflects both their on-court performance and their marketability off the court. While the league’s salary cap and collective bargaining agreements set certain limits, top players often maximize their earnings through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and endorsement deals. In recent years, the WNBA has made significant strides in increasing player salaries, with the highest paid athletes now earning substantially more than in previous decades.

Key takeaways include the fact that the highest paid WNBA players are often those who have demonstrated consistent excellence, leadership, and star power. Players like Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson have set benchmarks not only in salary but also in their influence within the sport. Additionally, endorsement opportunities and overseas contracts play a crucial role in supplementing their income, highlighting the multifaceted nature of earnings in women’s professional basketball.

Overall, the financial landscape of the WNBA is evolving positively, with increased visibility and investment contributing to higher salaries for elite players. This trend underscores the growing recognition and value of women’s basketball, promising even greater compensation and opportunities for top talent in the future.

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.

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