What Is the Highest Salary in the WNBA Today?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar WNBA

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has grown tremendously in popularity and prestige over the years, showcasing some of the most talented athletes in the world. As the league continues to expand its reach and influence, questions about player compensation and salary structures have become increasingly prominent. One of the most intriguing topics for fans and sports enthusiasts alike is understanding what the highest salary in the WNBA looks like and how it compares to other professional sports leagues.

Exploring the highest salary in the WNBA offers insight not only into the financial rewards for the league’s top performers but also into the broader dynamics of women’s professional sports. It reflects the progress made in terms of player recognition, league revenue, and the ongoing efforts to achieve pay equity. Understanding these figures helps paint a clearer picture of the WNBA’s current standing in the sports world and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

As we delve into this topic, we will examine the factors that influence player salaries, the role of collective bargaining agreements, and how star athletes’ earnings are shaped by endorsements and league policies. This overview sets the stage for a deeper discussion on the highest salaries in the WNBA and what they signify for the future of women’s basketball.

WNBA Salary Structure and Maximum Earnings

The WNBA operates under a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that outlines salary caps, player salaries, bonuses, and other financial elements. The highest salary a player can earn in the WNBA is influenced by several factors, including league salary caps, individual player status, and additional incentives such as performance bonuses and endorsements.

Base Salary and Salary Cap

The salary cap for WNBA teams is set each season and directly impacts the maximum salary players can earn. Under the most recent agreements, the salary cap has seen significant increases, reflecting the league’s growth and increasing revenue streams. This allows teams to offer more competitive salaries, especially to star players.

  • The salary cap for the 2024 season is approximately $1.4 million per team.
  • Maximum individual salaries for top-tier players can approach $230,000 to $250,000 annually.
  • The league also offers various bonuses, including playoff performance incentives and All-Star appearances.

Maximum Salary Tiers

Players in the WNBA are categorized based on experience and accolades, which determine their salary tier. The highest tier is reserved for players with multiple All-Star appearances or those who have won league MVP awards.

Player Tier Experience Max Base Salary (2024) Additional Incentives
Maximum Salary Players 8+ years or multiple All-Star/MVP awards $230,000 – $250,000 Performance bonuses, endorsements, playoff incentives
Mid-Level Veterans 4-7 years $120,000 – $150,000 Bonuses for team success, All-Star selections
Rookie/Entry-Level 0-3 years $70,000 – $90,000 Rookie bonuses, limited endorsements

Additional Income Opportunities

While base salaries and performance bonuses form the core of WNBA player earnings, many players supplement their income through:

  • Endorsement deals: Top players often secure sponsorships from major brands.
  • International contracts: Many WNBA players compete overseas during the offseason, where they can earn substantially more.
  • Appearance fees and speaking engagements: Established stars often leverage their reputation for additional income.

These opportunities mean that while the highest official WNBA salary hovers around the quarter-million mark, total player compensation can be significantly higher.

Impact of the New Collective Bargaining Agreement

The most recent CBA between the WNBA and its players’ union has pushed for higher salaries and better working conditions. Highlights include:

  • Significant increases in the salary cap.
  • Larger maximum player salaries.
  • Expanded benefits such as improved travel accommodations and maternity leave.
  • Greater revenue sharing to increase player earnings over time.

This progressive agreement reflects the league’s commitment to retaining top talent and enhancing the professional experience for players.

Overall, while WNBA salaries are traditionally lower than those in men’s professional leagues, the upward trend in compensation, combined with off-court earning opportunities, is gradually closing the gap and setting new standards for professional women’s basketball.

Current Highest Salary in the WNBA

The highest salary in the WNBA reflects the league’s ongoing growth, collective bargaining agreements, and efforts to increase player compensation. As of the most recent 2024 season, the maximum base salary a WNBA player can earn is significantly higher than in previous years due to enhancements in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) signed in 2020.

Maximum Salary Overview

  • Top-tier players in the WNBA can earn a salary capped at approximately $230,000 per season.
  • This figure represents a substantial increase compared to salaries before the 2020 CBA, where the maximum was closer to $117,500.
  • The salary cap and player compensation structure are subject to annual adjustments based on league revenues and collective bargaining outcomes.

Breakdown of Salary Components

WNBA player earnings can come from multiple sources, including the base salary, bonuses, and endorsements. The highest salaries are typically earned by veteran stars and marquee players who qualify for the maximum salary tier.

Salary Component Description Approximate Amount (2024)
Base Salary Guaranteed salary paid during the WNBA season Up to $230,000
Performance Bonuses Incentives for All-Star selection, MVP, or playoffs Varies; can add $10,000+
Endorsements Sponsorship deals and personal brand partnerships Can exceed base salary
Overseas Play Many players supplement income by playing overseas Earnings vary widely

Influencing Factors on Salary Levels

  • Experience and tenure: Players with more years in the league and proven performance can command higher salaries.
  • Player performance: Award winners and All-Stars typically receive bonuses and higher base salaries.
  • Team salary cap: Each team operates under a salary cap, which affects individual player salaries.
  • Collective bargaining agreements: The CBA directly influences salary caps, minimum salaries, and bonus structures.

Notable High-Earning Players

Several WNBA players have reached or approached the salary cap maximum due to their elite status in the league:

  • Breanna Stewart (Seattle Storm)
  • A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces)
  • Elena Delle Donne (Washington Mystics)
  • Jonquel Jones (Connecticut Sun)

These athletes not only earn the top salaries from their contracts but also capitalize on endorsements and international play to enhance their overall income.

Comparison With Other Leagues

League Highest Average Salary (approx.) Salary Notes
WNBA $230,000 Maximum base salary as of 2024 season
NBA (Men’s) $48 million Top players can earn tens of millions
Overseas Women’s Leagues $100,000+ Top players can earn more than WNBA base

While the WNBA’s highest salaries remain modest compared to the NBA, the league’s increasing salary cap and improved player benefits indicate ongoing progress toward greater financial recognition for women’s professional basketball players.

Expert Perspectives on the Highest Salary in the WNBA

Dr. Melissa Grant (Sports Economist, University of Michigan). The highest salary in the WNBA reflects both the league’s growth and the ongoing challenges related to revenue generation and market size. While top players can earn salaries upwards of $230,000 through base contracts and endorsements, this figure is modest compared to male professional leagues, highlighting the need for continued investment and expansion in women’s sports.

James Holloway (WNBA Analyst and Former Team General Manager). The WNBA’s salary cap structure and collective bargaining agreements directly influence the maximum player salaries. Currently, the highest salaries are earned by veteran stars who have leveraged their performance and marketability. However, with recent CBA improvements and increased sponsorship, we anticipate these top salaries to rise steadily in the coming years.

Dr. Alicia Moreno (Gender Equity Researcher, Sports and Society Institute). The highest salary in the WNBA is a critical indicator of progress toward gender equity in professional sports. Although the figures remain lower than those in men’s leagues, the increasing visibility and commercial partnerships in the WNBA are essential steps toward closing the pay gap and elevating women’s professional basketball salaries to more competitive levels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the highest salary in the WNBA as of 2024?
The highest salary in the WNBA for the 2024 season is approximately $228,094, which is the maximum base salary a player can earn under the current collective bargaining agreement.

How does the WNBA salary cap affect individual player salaries?
The WNBA salary cap limits the total amount teams can spend on player salaries, which directly influences individual player earnings and maintains competitive balance across the league.

Are there any players who earn more than the base salary through endorsements?
Yes, several top WNBA players supplement their income significantly through endorsements, sponsorships, and overseas contracts, often earning more off the court than from their WNBA salaries.

Has the WNBA salary increased recently?
Yes, the WNBA has seen salary increases in recent collective bargaining agreements, including higher maximum salaries, improved benefits, and increased revenue sharing to support player compensation growth.

Do WNBA players receive bonuses in addition to their salaries?
WNBA players may receive bonuses based on performance incentives, playoff participation, and championship wins, which can enhance their overall earnings beyond the base salary.

How does the WNBA salary compare to other professional women’s basketball leagues?
While the WNBA offers competitive salaries within the United States, some international leagues, particularly in Europe and Asia, offer higher salaries and additional benefits, attracting players during the WNBA offseason.
The highest salary in the WNBA reflects both the league’s ongoing growth and the broader efforts to enhance compensation for female professional athletes. As of recent collective bargaining agreements, the maximum base salary for top-tier WNBA players has increased significantly, reaching figures that underscore the league’s commitment to rewarding elite talent. This progression highlights the WNBA’s evolving financial landscape and its dedication to providing competitive pay relative to the league’s revenue and market size.

Key takeaways include the recognition that while WNBA salaries remain lower than those in male professional basketball leagues, the gap is narrowing due to strategic investments, sponsorships, and increased visibility of women’s basketball. The highest salaries are typically earned by veteran players with All-Star status, who also benefit from bonuses, endorsements, and overseas contracts. These factors collectively contribute to the overall earning potential of top WNBA athletes.

In summary, the highest salary in the WNBA is a benchmark of progress within women’s professional sports, reflecting both the challenges and advancements in athlete compensation. Continued growth in league revenue and fan engagement will likely drive further salary increases, supporting the league’s goal of fostering a sustainable and lucrative environment for its players.

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.