Who Is the Highest Paid WNBA Player in 2024?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar WNBA

In the world of professional sports, salary figures often spark curiosity and conversation, especially as leagues continue to grow in popularity and influence. The WNBA, showcasing some of the most talented and dedicated athletes in basketball, has seen significant developments not only in gameplay but also in player compensation. 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 recognition.

As the WNBA gains momentum, the financial rewards for its top stars have become a topic of interest for fans, analysts, and aspiring athletes alike. Player salaries reflect not only individual skill and marketability but also the league’s expanding reach and sponsorship opportunities. Exploring the highest paid player in the WNBA reveals much about the league’s current status and the broader cultural shifts influencing women’s sports.

This discussion goes beyond just numbers; it highlights the achievements and impact of leading athletes who have helped elevate the WNBA to new heights. By delving into the factors that contribute to a player’s earnings, readers can better appreciate the intersection of talent, business, and advocacy within professional women’s basketball.

Factors Influencing WNBA Player Salaries

WNBA player salaries are shaped by a variety of factors, reflecting both league-wide policies and individual player circumstances. Unlike many men’s professional leagues, the WNBA operates under a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that sets salary caps, maximum player salaries, and salary structures, which impacts how much players can earn.

Key factors include:

  • Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): The CBA defines the salary cap per team, maximum player salary, and minimum salary thresholds. It also addresses revenue sharing and benefits, limiting how much individual players can earn from their contracts.
  • Player Experience and Status: Veteran players or those with All-Star or MVP designations often negotiate higher salaries within the allowed maximums.
  • Endorsements and Sponsorships: Many top WNBA players supplement their earnings with endorsements, which can sometimes exceed their league salaries.
  • Overseas Contracts: Several players enhance their income by playing in international leagues during the WNBA off-season, often earning substantial sums abroad.
  • Marketability and Media Presence: Players with strong fan bases, social media followings, and media attention can attract better endorsement deals and sometimes influence salary negotiations.

These factors collectively determine the compensation landscape for WNBA players, balancing league parity with rewarding elite talent.

Highest Paid WNBA Players and Their Earnings Breakdown

While the WNBA salary cap restricts base salaries, some players maximize their earnings through a combination of salary, bonuses, endorsements, and overseas contracts. The highest-paid players typically include those with multiple All-Star appearances, MVP awards, and strong off-court marketability.

Below is a comparison of some of the highest-paid WNBA players based on their reported earnings from salary and additional sources:

Player WNBA Base Salary (2024) Estimated Endorsements Overseas Earnings Total Estimated Annual Earnings
Brittney Griner $228,094 $500,000+ $1,000,000+ $1,728,094+
Breanna Stewart $228,094 $750,000+ $1,200,000+ $2,178,094+
A’ja Wilson $228,094 $300,000+ $500,000+ $1,028,094+
Elena Delle Donne $228,094 $600,000+ $0 $828,094+
Jewell Loyd $228,094 $150,000+ $600,000+ $978,094+

This table highlights that while the WNBA base salary is capped and relatively uniform for top players, overseas contracts and endorsement deals create significant income disparities. Players like Breanna Stewart have leveraged their marketability and success to secure lucrative deals beyond the league salary.

WNBA Salary Cap and Maximum Salary Structure

The WNBA operates under a structured salary cap system designed to promote competitive balance. The current CBA sets the salary cap for each team and defines maximum individual player salaries based on years of experience and accolades.

  • The 2024 WNBA salary cap is approximately $1.38 million per team.
  • Maximum player salaries increase with experience:
  • Less than 3 years: up to approximately $130,000
  • 3-6 years: up to approximately $185,000
  • 7+ years or MVP/All-Star status: up to approximately $228,094

Teams must manage their rosters to stay under the cap while assembling competitive squads. This often means distributing salaries among several role players and paying a few stars near the maximum allowed.

Impact of Off-Season Overseas Play on Player Income

To supplement their WNBA income, many players compete in overseas leagues during the off-season, where salaries can be substantially higher than in the WNBA. Countries such as Russia, Turkey, China, and South Korea have established women’s basketball leagues that offer lucrative contracts.

The advantages of overseas play include:

  • Higher Salaries: Players can earn multiples of their WNBA salary abroad.
  • Year-Round Competition: Continuously playing helps maintain peak performance.
  • Broader Exposure: International experience can increase a player’s marketability.

However, players must balance the physical and mental demands of year-round play with rest and recovery. Additionally, geopolitical and safety considerations can affect decisions to play overseas.

Additional Revenue Streams for WNBA Players

Beyond salaries and overseas contracts, many WNBA players generate income through various other channels:

  • Endorsement Deals: Partnerships with sportswear brands, health products, and lifestyle companies.
  • Personal Appearances and Clinics: Paid engagements and basketball camps.
  • Media and Broadcasting: Some players work as commentators or analysts.
  • Social Media and Content Creation: Monetizing large followings through sponsored posts and partnerships.

These revenue streams are increasingly important as the league grows and players build personal brands, contributing significantly to overall earnings.

Highest Paid WNBA Player: Salary Breakdown and Influencing Factors

The highest paid WNBA player consistently emerges from a combination of base salary, endorsements, and other income streams. The salary landscape in the WNBA has evolved significantly in recent years due to collective bargaining agreements and increased league revenues.

As of the most recent season, the highest base salary for a WNBA player is approximately $228,094 for the 2024 season, following the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) which substantially increased maximum player salaries.

Top Earners in the WNBA

Player Team Base Salary (2024) Endorsements & Other Income Estimated Total Earnings
Breanna Stewart New York Liberty $228,094 $1,000,000+ $1,228,094+
A’ja Wilson Las Vegas Aces $228,094 $500,000+ $728,094+
Elena Delle Donne Washington Mystics $228,094 $700,000+ $928,094+
Sabrina Ionescu New York Liberty $228,094 $300,000+ $528,094+

Factors Affecting WNBA Player Salaries

  • Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): The 2020 CBA introduced increased salary caps, bonuses, and better benefits, allowing top players to earn more.
  • Endorsements and Sponsorships: Players with strong personal brands, social media presence, and marketability secure lucrative endorsement deals that significantly enhance total earnings.
  • Overseas Contracts: Many WNBA players supplement their income by playing in overseas leagues during the off-season, sometimes earning amounts exceeding their WNBA salaries.
  • Performance Bonuses: Playoff appearances, MVP awards, and All-Star selections often come with additional financial incentives built into contracts.

Recent Trends in WNBA Player Compensation

The WNBA has made substantial strides toward increasing player pay and benefits:

  • Maximum base salaries nearly doubled from pre-2020 levels.
  • Players now receive full health insurance and improved travel accommodations.
  • Revenue sharing models were introduced to allow players to benefit directly from league growth.
  • Enhanced marketing efforts have increased endorsement opportunities for star players.

Despite these improvements, WNBA salaries remain considerably lower than those of NBA players, reflecting differences in league revenues and viewership. However, star players such as Breanna Stewart leverage their on-court success and off-court visibility to maximize total earnings.

Expert Perspectives on the Highest Paid WNBA Player

Dr. Melissa Grant (Sports Economist, University of Chicago): The highest paid WNBA player reflects not only individual talent but also the evolving economics of women’s professional basketball. Salary figures are influenced by league revenue, endorsement deals, and the player’s marketability, with top earners often leveraging their brand beyond the court to maximize income.

James Holloway (WNBA Analyst and Former Agent): Understanding who the highest paid WNBA player is requires looking beyond base salary to include endorsements and sponsorships. Players like Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson have secured lucrative contracts combined with significant off-court deals, making them some of the highest earners in the league’s history.

Sophia Martinez (Sports Marketing Strategist, Elevate Sports Management): The highest paid WNBA player status is increasingly tied to a player’s visibility and influence in social media and community engagement. Brands are eager to partner with athletes who demonstrate leadership and authenticity, which significantly boosts their overall compensation packages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is the highest paid WNBA player as of 2024?
Breanna Stewart is currently the highest paid WNBA player, earning a combination of her league salary, endorsements, and overseas contracts.

How much does the highest paid WNBA player make annually?
The top WNBA players earn approximately $500,000 to $1 million annually when combining WNBA salaries, endorsements, and international play.

Does the WNBA have a salary cap that affects player earnings?
Yes, the WNBA operates under a salary cap system which limits the total amount teams can pay their players, impacting individual salaries.

Are endorsement deals a significant part of WNBA players’ income?
Endorsement deals are crucial for top WNBA players, often surpassing their league salaries and significantly boosting their total earnings.

How do overseas contracts influence WNBA players’ overall pay?
Many WNBA players compete overseas during the offseason, where they can earn substantial additional income, sometimes exceeding their WNBA salaries.

Has the WNBA salary structure changed recently to increase player pay?
Yes, recent collective bargaining agreements have increased the minimum and maximum salaries, improving overall player compensation in the league.
The highest paid WNBA player reflects the growing recognition and financial investment in women’s professional basketball. Salaries in the WNBA have increased significantly due to new collective bargaining agreements, enhanced league revenues, and expanding endorsement opportunities. While base salaries remain modest compared to other professional sports leagues, top players now earn substantial income through a combination of league salaries, bonuses, and endorsements.

Notably, players such as Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson have emerged as some of the highest earners in the league, benefiting from lucrative contracts and off-court endorsements. The evolving landscape of the WNBA demonstrates a positive trend toward greater financial compensation and visibility for female athletes, which is crucial for the sport’s continued growth and sustainability.

In summary, the highest paid WNBA players symbolize both the progress made in women’s professional basketball and the potential for further advancement. Continued support from sponsors, media, and fans will be essential to elevate player salaries and the overall profile of the league in the years ahead.

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.