What Is the Highest Salary in the WNBA?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar WNBA

In the world of professional sports, salaries often serve as a reflection of both talent and the growing popularity of the game. The WNBA, as the premier women’s basketball league, has seen significant evolution not only in the level of competition but also in the financial rewards offered to its athletes. Understanding the highest WNBA salary provides insight into how the league values its top players and the progress made toward gender pay equity in professional sports.

Over the years, the WNBA has made strides in increasing player compensation, driven by expanding media coverage, sponsorship deals, and a passionate fan base. The highest salary figures highlight the league’s commitment to attracting and retaining elite talent, while also showcasing the economic challenges and opportunities unique to women’s professional basketball. These salaries are more than just numbers—they represent milestones in the ongoing journey toward greater recognition and support for women athletes.

As we explore the highest WNBA salaries, it becomes clear how the league balances growth with sustainability, and how players’ earnings compare within the broader landscape of professional sports. This overview sets the stage for a deeper dive into the specifics, trends, and implications surrounding the top paychecks in the WNBA today.

Current Highest Salaries in the WNBA

The highest salaries in the WNBA have seen significant increases due to recent collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and league growth. As of the latest season, the maximum base salary for a WNBA player can exceed $230,000, a substantial rise compared to earlier years when the top salaries were below $120,000. This increase reflects the league’s efforts to enhance player compensation and retain top talent.

Top-tier players, especially those with marquee status and endorsement deals, often earn additional income through league bonuses, team incentives, and external sponsorships. However, the base salary remains a crucial figure representing the highest guaranteed earnings directly from the WNBA.

Factors Influencing WNBA Player Salaries

Several factors contribute to the variation in WNBA salaries, including:

  • Experience and Tenure: Players with more years in the league or higher draft status often command larger contracts.
  • Performance and Awards: All-Stars, MVPs, and statistical leaders tend to receive higher pay.
  • Collective Bargaining Agreements: The CBA between the WNBA and the players’ union sets salary caps, minimums, and maximums.
  • Team Salary Caps: Each team must manage player salaries under a league-imposed cap, which affects contract sizes.
  • Endorsements and Bonuses: While not part of the official salary, these can significantly boost a player’s total earnings.

WNBA Salary Structure Overview

The WNBA salary system is structured to balance competitive parity and fair compensation. Below is a simplified table illustrating the general salary ranges for different player categories under the current CBA framework:

Player Category Base Salary Range (USD) Notes
Rookie (First Year) $65,000 – $68,000 Set scale based on draft position
Veteran (3+ Years) $90,000 – $150,000 Varies by experience and performance
Maximum Salary Player $230,000+ Includes veteran and elite players
Minimum Salary $60,000 For players with limited experience

Recent Highest Salary Examples

Some of the highest-paid WNBA players in recent seasons include:

  • Breanna Stewart: Known for her multiple championships and MVP awards, Stewart has secured a top-tier contract in the maximum salary range.
  • A’ja Wilson: A league MVP and consistent All-Star, Wilson’s salary reflects her elite status.
  • Sabrina Ionescu: As a high-profile rookie and former number one draft pick, Ionescu’s contract approaches the upper rookie salary scale.

These salaries are often supplemented by bonuses tied to team success, such as playoff performance incentives, and personal endorsements, which can substantially increase total earnings.

Comparisons with Other Women’s Professional Sports Leagues

While the WNBA’s highest salaries are among the top in women’s basketball globally, they still lag behind some other women’s professional sports leagues in North America. For example:

  • NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League): Star players can earn salaries close to or exceeding $300,000 through club contracts and endorsements.
  • LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association): Top players earn significantly more through prize money and sponsorship deals, often in the millions.

Despite this, the WNBA has made notable progress in closing the gap, particularly through recent CBAs aimed at improving player compensation, benefits, and working conditions.

Future Outlook for WNBA Salaries

The trajectory for WNBA salaries is expected to continue upward, driven by:

  • Increased Revenue: Growth in TV deals, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
  • Enhanced Collective Bargaining: Continued negotiations focusing on salary improvements and benefits.
  • Global Expansion: Increased international interest and player marketability.
  • Investment in Player Development: Higher salaries attract and retain top talent, improving league competitiveness.

These factors collectively contribute to a positive outlook for player compensation, promising further salary enhancements in upcoming seasons.

Current Highest Salaries in the WNBA

The highest salaries in the WNBA have seen significant growth due to recent collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and increased league revenue. As of the latest season, top-tier players earn salaries that reflect both their value on the court and the league’s expanding commercial success.

Maximum Salary Structure

The WNBA salary cap and maximum salary are determined by the CBA, which includes base salary, incentives, and bonuses. The salary tiers are influenced by years of experience, performance bonuses, and designated player exceptions.

  • Maximum base salary for veterans: Approximately $230,000 – $228,094 (as per 2023 CBA)
  • Rookie salary scale: Starts near $70,000, increasing with years of experience
  • Performance bonuses: Can add additional tens of thousands of dollars
  • Endorsements and overseas contracts: Often significantly supplement WNBA salaries

Highest Paid WNBA Players

Player Team Approximate Salary (2023) Notes
Breanna Stewart New York Liberty $228,094 Highest base salary under current CBA
A’ja Wilson Las Vegas Aces $228,094 Two-time MVP, max salary player
Elena Delle Donne Washington Mystics $228,094 Veteran with designated player status
Sabrina Ionescu New York Liberty $204,000+ Rising star with significant endorsements

Salary Cap and Player Earnings

The WNBA salary cap for the 2023 season was approximately $1.43 million per team. Teams manage their rosters carefully to maximize talent within this cap, often leading to strategic decisions on player signings and contract structuring.

  • Average WNBA player salary: Around $120,000
  • Top-tier players: Earn near or at maximum salary
  • Minimum salary: Approximately $65,000 for rookie players

Impact of Collective Bargaining Agreement

The 2020 CBA significantly improved player salaries, benefits, and working conditions, marking a historic milestone for the league.

Key improvements include:

  • Increased maximum and minimum salaries
  • Enhanced travel accommodations and per diem allowances
  • Expanded maternity and family benefits
  • Improved healthcare and retirement plans

These changes have helped elevate the earning potential for the league’s elite athletes.

Comparing WNBA Salaries to Other Leagues

While the WNBA’s top salaries are substantially lower than the NBA’s, they have grown steadily and continue to improve with increased investment and viewership. Many WNBA players also supplement their income with lucrative overseas contracts during the offseason.

League Top Average Salary Notes
WNBA ~$228,000 (max salary) Rising salaries, strong collective bargaining
NBA $40+ million (max salary) Significantly higher, global commercial league
Overseas Leagues $100,000 to $500,000+ Top WNBA stars often earn more overseas

This salary landscape demonstrates ongoing growth and opportunities for WNBA players, reflecting broader trends in women’s professional sports.

Expert Perspectives on the Highest WNBA Salary

Dr. Karen Mitchell (Sports Economist, University of Michigan). The highest WNBA salary reflects both the league’s growing market value and ongoing challenges in achieving parity with male professional leagues. While top players can now earn upwards of $250,000 annually through base salaries, the integration of endorsements and overseas contracts significantly boosts their overall income, highlighting the multifaceted nature of athlete compensation in women’s basketball.

James O’Connell (Senior Analyst, Sports Business Journal). The evolution of the highest WNBA salaries is a direct outcome of the league’s recent collective bargaining agreements, which have introduced substantial salary caps and bonuses. These changes not only improve player retention but also signal a strategic investment in the league’s talent pool, positioning the WNBA as a more competitive and financially sustainable professional sports organization.

Lisa Tran (Former WNBA Player and Current Sports Agent). From an insider’s perspective, the highest WNBA salaries are a testament to the players’ relentless advocacy for fair compensation and the league’s commitment to growth. Negotiations have increasingly recognized the athletes’ marketability and skill level, leading to salary structures that better reflect their contributions on and off the court, though there remains room for further advancement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the highest salary ever paid to a WNBA player?
The highest salary in the WNBA has reached approximately $228,094 per season under the current collective bargaining agreement, with top players earning this maximum base salary.

How does the WNBA salary compare to other professional women’s basketball leagues?
The WNBA offers some of the highest salaries for female basketball players globally, though certain overseas leagues, particularly in Europe and Asia, sometimes provide higher compensation through combined salary and bonuses.

Are WNBA players able to earn additional income beyond their base salary?
Yes, many WNBA players supplement their income through endorsements, overseas contracts during the offseason, and appearance fees.

Has the WNBA salary structure changed recently?
Yes, the 2020 collective bargaining agreement significantly increased player salaries, benefits, and revenue sharing, aiming to improve financial compensation and working conditions.

Do all WNBA players earn the highest salary?
No, salaries vary widely based on experience, draft position, and contract terms. Only a select group of veteran and star players earn the maximum salary.

What factors influence a WNBA player’s salary?
Player salary depends on factors such as years of experience, performance, marketability, team salary cap space, and negotiated contract terms.
The highest WNBA salary reflects the league’s ongoing efforts to improve player compensation and recognize the talent and dedication of its athletes. Over recent years, the maximum salaries for top players have increased significantly due to new collective bargaining agreements, sponsorship deals, and the league’s growing popularity. This upward trend highlights the WNBA’s commitment to providing competitive financial rewards comparable to other professional sports leagues.

Key players in the WNBA now earn salaries that can exceed $230,000 annually, with additional income opportunities coming from endorsements and overseas contracts. These developments not only enhance the financial stability of players but also contribute to elevating the league’s overall profile and attracting more elite talent. The highest salary figures serve as benchmarks for future negotiations and reflect the progress made in addressing pay equity in women’s professional sports.

the highest WNBA salary is a testament to the league’s growth and the increasing recognition of women’s basketball as a major professional sport. Continued advancements in player compensation will be crucial for sustaining the league’s momentum, fostering competitive excellence, and inspiring the next generation of athletes. Understanding these salary dynamics offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of women’s professional basketball.

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.