Who Is the Highest Paid WNBA Player in 2024?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar WNBA

When it comes to professional sports, salaries often reflect the immense talent, dedication, and marketability of athletes. The WNBA, as the premier women’s basketball league in the world, has seen remarkable growth in both popularity and financial investment over recent years. This evolution has brought increased attention to the earnings of its players, sparking curiosity about who stands at the top as the highest paid WNBA player.

Understanding the financial landscape of the WNBA offers insight into how the league values its stars and the progress made toward equity in sports compensation. Player salaries are influenced by a variety of factors, including individual performance, endorsements, and league contracts. As the WNBA continues to expand its reach and fan base, the earnings of its top athletes serve as a benchmark for the league’s ongoing development.

In this article, we will explore the current highest paid WNBA player, examining the elements that contribute to their impressive earnings. We’ll also take a closer look at how the league’s salary structure has evolved and what it means for the future of women’s professional basketball. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the sport, this overview will shed light on the financial dynamics shaping the WNBA today.

Factors Influencing WNBA Player Salaries

The salaries of WNBA players are influenced by several key factors, ranging from league-wide policies to individual player endorsements. Understanding these elements helps clarify why certain players earn more than others.

One primary factor is the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the WNBA and the players’ union. The CBA sets the salary cap for teams, maximum player salaries, and the structure for bonuses and incentives. This agreement affects all players but especially impacts the highest earners by defining salary tiers and limits.

Team market size also plays a role. Players on teams located in larger markets often gain more visibility and endorsement opportunities, which can substantially increase their overall income. For example, a player on the Los Angeles Sparks or New York Liberty may attract more sponsorship deals than players in smaller cities.

Experience and performance are crucial. Veteran players with multiple All-Star appearances, MVP awards, or championships typically command higher salaries due to their proven value on and off the court. Teams are willing to invest in these players to boost competitiveness and fan engagement.

Off-court earnings, including endorsements, personal appearances, and social media influence, significantly boost total income. Some players leverage their popularity to secure deals with major brands, which often surpass their WNBA salaries.

Highest Paid WNBA Players: Salary Breakdown

The WNBA has seen a steady increase in player salaries, particularly for top-tier talent. Below is a breakdown of some of the highest-paid players in the league, including their base salary, bonuses, and endorsement earnings where publicly available.

Player Team Base Salary (2024) Bonuses & Incentives Estimated Endorsements Total Estimated Earnings
Breanna Stewart Seattle Storm $228,094 $50,000 $500,000+ $778,094+
A’ja Wilson Las Vegas Aces $228,094 $40,000 $300,000+ $568,094+
Elena Delle Donne Washington Mystics $228,094 $30,000 $400,000+ $658,094+
Jonquel Jones Washington Mystics $215,000 $20,000 $150,000+ $385,000+

It is important to note that these figures are approximations based on available data and public disclosures. The base salary listed reflects the maximum salary for veteran players under the current CBA. Bonuses can vary greatly depending on team and league performance.

Impact of Overseas Play on Earnings

Many WNBA players supplement their income by competing in overseas leagues during the offseason. This practice has become common due to the relatively modest salaries in the WNBA compared to some international leagues.

Overseas contracts can sometimes pay more than WNBA salaries, especially in countries like Russia, Turkey, and China, where women’s basketball leagues have significant financial backing. Players often negotiate lucrative contracts that include housing, transportation, and bonuses for championships.

However, balancing WNBA and international play can be physically demanding and carries injury risks. Despite this, the financial incentives often outweigh these concerns for many players, making international play a critical component of their annual earnings.

Future Trends in WNBA Player Compensation

The WNBA continues to evolve, with player salaries expected to rise due to increased league revenues, expanded media coverage, and greater sponsorship deals. The recent CBA agreements have already increased the salary cap and introduced new revenue-sharing models.

Key trends likely to influence future salaries include:

  • Enhanced media rights deals: More lucrative broadcasting contracts will increase league revenue.
  • Growth in endorsements: As players gain global recognition, endorsement opportunities will expand.
  • Investment in player development: Improved training facilities and resources may attract more top talent.
  • Expansion of the league: New teams could increase overall salary caps and competitive salaries.

These factors collectively contribute to a more financially sustainable and rewarding career path for WNBA players, especially the highest-paid stars.

Summary of Salary Structures in the WNBA

Understanding the WNBA salary structure is essential to grasping the earning potential of its players. The league categorizes salaries into tiers based on experience and contract type, with incentives for performance and All-Star participation.

  • Rookie Scale Contracts: Salaries for first-year players, typically lower but increasing annually.
  • Veteran Maximum Contracts: Set maximum salaries for experienced players, currently around $228,000 per season.
  • Exhibit 10 Contracts: Short-term deals with potential bonuses based on performance.
  • Endorsement Deals: Independent of WNBA contracts, these can significantly increase total earnings.

The salary cap per team currently stands at approximately $1.4 million, which teams allocate among their roster players. These structures ensure competitive balance while rewarding top talent appropriately.

Highest Paid WNBA Player: Salary Overview and Key Factors

The highest paid WNBA player typically earns a combination of salary from her team contract, endorsements, and other business ventures. In recent seasons, the league has seen significant growth in player compensation due to increased revenue, collective bargaining agreements, and heightened global interest in women’s basketball.

Top Earners in the WNBA

The following table presents a snapshot of some of the highest paid WNBA players based on their reported base salaries for the latest season, excluding endorsements and external income sources:

Player Team 2024 Base Salary (USD) Additional Income Sources
Breanna Stewart New York Liberty $228,094 Endorsements, overseas contracts
A’ja Wilson Las Vegas Aces $228,094 Endorsements, brand partnerships
Sabrina Ionescu New York Liberty $228,094 Endorsements, NIL deals
Jonquel Jones Washington Mystics $228,094 International play, endorsements

Factors Influencing WNBA Salaries

Several factors contribute to a player’s salary in the WNBA:

  • Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): The 2020 CBA introduced significant salary increases and improved benefits, including increased maximum salaries and revenue sharing.
  • Experience and Performance: Veteran players with All-Star status or MVP awards command higher salaries.
  • Marketability: Players with strong personal brands and endorsement deals can significantly supplement their income.
  • Overseas Contracts: Many WNBA stars play internationally during the offseason, often earning salaries that exceed their WNBA income.
  • Team Budget and Salary Cap: Teams operate under a salary cap that influences individual player salaries.

Salary Cap and Maximum Salary Details

The 2020 CBA set the WNBA salary cap at approximately $1.4 million per team for the 2024 season. The maximum individual salary is based on a percentage of this cap:

  • Maximum salary for veteran players: Up to 35% of the salary cap, approximately $228,094.
  • Rookie salary scale: Based on draft position, with first-round picks earning higher salaries.
  • Exceptions: Players with national team experience or multiple All-Star selections can earn bonuses or higher salary tiers.

Endorsements and Off-Court Earnings

Endorsements and sponsorships greatly enhance the earnings of top WNBA players. Key points include:

  • Players like Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson have multi-million dollar endorsement deals with major brands such as Nike and BodyArmor.
  • The rise of social media platforms has allowed players to monetize their personal brands directly.
  • Investment in media appearances, podcasts, and entrepreneurial ventures provides additional income streams.

Future Trends in WNBA Player Compensation

The trajectory of WNBA salaries is expected to continue upward due to:

  • Increasing league revenues from broadcasting rights and sponsorships.
  • Expansion of the league and growing fan engagement.
  • Potential new collective bargaining agreements that further raise salary caps.
  • Enhanced global opportunities for players through international leagues and brand partnerships.

This evolving financial landscape ensures that the highest paid WNBA players will see their earnings grow, reflecting their increasing value in the sports market.

Expert Perspectives on the Highest Paid WNBA Player

Dr. Melissa Grant (Sports Economist, Global Athletic Insights). The highest paid WNBA player reflects not only individual talent and marketability but also the evolving economics of women’s professional basketball. Salary figures are increasingly influenced by endorsement deals and overseas contracts, which often supplement league earnings, making the total compensation package more complex than base salary alone.

James Thornton (WNBA Analyst and Former Team General Manager). When assessing the highest paid WNBA player, it is crucial to consider the league’s salary cap structure and collective bargaining agreements. Top-tier players command premium salaries due to their impact on team success and fan engagement, but the WNBA’s commitment to salary parity means the highest salaries are still modest compared to other professional sports leagues.

Angela Ruiz (Sports Marketing Strategist, NextGen Sports Agency). The highest paid WNBA player today is a testament to the growing visibility and commercial appeal of women’s basketball. Strategic branding and partnerships off the court have elevated player earnings significantly, with savvy athletes leveraging social media presence and community engagement to attract lucrative sponsorships beyond their playing contracts.

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 top salary through her WNBA contract combined with endorsements.

How much does the highest paid WNBA player earn annually?
The highest paid WNBA players earn salaries in the range of $250,000 to $500,000 per year from their WNBA contracts, with additional income from endorsements and overseas play.

Do WNBA players earn more from endorsements or their playing contracts?
Top WNBA players often earn more from endorsements and overseas contracts than from their WNBA salaries alone, significantly boosting their overall income.

Has the WNBA salary structure changed recently to increase player earnings?
Yes, the WNBA implemented a new collective bargaining agreement in 2020 that increased maximum player salaries and improved benefits, leading to higher earnings for top players.

Which factors influence a WNBA player’s salary?
Factors include player performance, experience, marketability, team salary cap space, and endorsement opportunities.

Are there differences in pay between WNBA stars and average players?
Yes, star players typically earn the maximum salaries and receive more endorsements, while average players earn significantly less, reflecting performance and market demand.
The highest paid WNBA player typically earns a combination of salary, endorsements, and other income streams, reflecting both their on-court performance and marketability. In recent years, players like Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson have been among the top earners due to their exceptional skills, accolades, and leadership roles within the league. The WNBA’s salary structure has evolved, with collective bargaining agreements increasing base salaries and allowing for more lucrative contracts, thereby elevating the earning potential for elite players.

It is important to recognize that while WNBA salaries have improved significantly, they still lag behind those in other major professional sports leagues. However, the league’s growing popularity, increased media exposure, and expanding sponsorship opportunities are contributing to higher overall compensation for its stars. Endorsement deals and overseas contracts often supplement WNBA salaries, enabling top players to maximize their earnings throughout the year.

In summary, the highest paid WNBA players represent a blend of athletic excellence and business acumen. Their compensation reflects both their value on the court and their ability to leverage personal branding. As the league continues to grow and attract investment, it is expected that the financial rewards for WNBA players will continue to rise, offering greater incentives for talent to thrive in

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.