Who Is the Highest Paid Player in the WNBA?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar WNBA

In the world of professional sports, athletes’ salaries often reflect their skill, marketability, and impact on the game. While the WNBA has historically faced challenges in achieving pay parity with other major leagues, recent years have seen significant strides in player compensation. This progress has sparked widespread interest in discovering who stands at the top of the earnings chart in women’s professional basketball.

The highest paid WNBA players are not only exceptional athletes but also influential figures who contribute to the growth and visibility of the league. Their earnings come from a combination of league salaries, endorsements, and other ventures, highlighting the multifaceted nature of modern sports careers. Understanding who commands the highest pay offers insight into the evolving landscape of women’s basketball and the increasing recognition of its stars.

As the WNBA continues to expand its reach and popularity, the financial rewards for its top players are becoming more competitive and reflective of their talents and contributions. Exploring the highest paid players provides a glimpse into the league’s progress and the individuals who are shaping the future of the sport.

Top Earners in the WNBA and Their Contract Details

The highest-paid WNBA players earn their salaries primarily through player contracts with their teams, endorsements, and off-court opportunities. Salary structures in the WNBA have evolved significantly in recent years, with the of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in 2020, which increased the salary cap, maximum player salaries, and benefits.

In recent seasons, the top echelon of WNBA players has seen their base salaries rise considerably, especially for those with maximum contracts, designated veteran bonuses, and other roster incentives. These contracts reflect not only the player’s on-court value but also their marketability and leadership roles within their teams.

Key factors influencing WNBA player salaries include:

  • Experience and tenure: Veteran players with several years in the league often command higher salaries.
  • All-Star and MVP status: Players recognized for outstanding performance can negotiate higher pay.
  • Designated player rules: Teams can allocate additional salary to key players beyond the standard maximum.
  • Endorsements: High-profile players benefit from sponsorships that supplement their income.

Below is a table showing some of the highest-paid WNBA players based on their base salaries and additional bonuses for the current or most recent season:

Player Team Base Salary (USD) Bonuses and Incentives (USD) Total Earnings (Approximate, USD)
Breanna Stewart New York Liberty $228,094 $50,000 $278,094
A’ja Wilson Las Vegas Aces $228,094 $45,000 $273,094
Jonquel Jones Washington Mystics $228,094 $40,000 $268,094
Candace Parker Las Vegas Aces $228,094 $35,000 $263,094
Elena Delle Donne Washington Mystics $228,094 $30,000 $258,094

These figures represent base salaries under the league’s maximum salary scale, with additional bonuses reflecting designated player status, performance, and team incentives.

Impact of Endorsements and Off-Court Earnings

While the WNBA salary cap sets limits on player salaries, many top players supplement their income substantially through endorsements and business ventures. The growth in the league’s visibility has attracted major brands seeking partnerships with prominent WNBA athletes. These endorsement deals can sometimes eclipse on-court earnings, particularly for players with strong personal brands and social media presence.

Common sources of off-court income for WNBA players include:

  • Sponsorship deals: Apparel, sports equipment, and lifestyle brands.
  • Media appearances: Commentary, hosting, and advertising campaigns.
  • Personal businesses: Investing in startups, launching product lines, or creating content.
  • International play: Many players compete overseas during the WNBA offseason for additional salary.

For instance, players like Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson have secured endorsement contracts with major companies such as Nike and Adidas, which add significantly to their total annual earnings. Additionally, social activism and community engagement have elevated the profiles of several players, leading to further partnership opportunities.

Salary Trends and Future Outlook

The WNBA continues to make strides toward improving player compensation, reflecting both growing revenue streams and increased fan engagement. The 2020 collective bargaining agreement marked a significant milestone by raising the salary cap by nearly 50%, increasing the maximum salary to over $228,000 for top players, and enhancing travel, housing, and maternity benefits.

Looking ahead, several trends are expected to influence the salary landscape:

  • Revenue sharing and media deals: New broadcasting contracts will increase league revenues, potentially leading to higher salaries.
  • Expansion and new markets: Growth in the number of teams and markets can boost overall league valuation.
  • Global interest: Increased international exposure may create additional commercial opportunities for players.
  • Player empowerment: Ongoing negotiations could further improve contract terms and benefits.

These developments suggest that the highest-paid WNBA players will continue to see their earnings grow, narrowing the gap compared to male professional athletes while maintaining a focus on sustainable league growth.

Notable Contract Highlights

  • The of “designated player contracts” allows teams to pay star players salaries above the maximum, incentivizing retention of top talent.
  • Some WNBA players opt to play overseas during the offseason, where salaries can be significantly higher, particularly in leagues in Europe and Asia.
  • The league’s commitment to equality and player welfare has led to enhancements in health insurance, travel accommodations, and parental leave, indirectly contributing to player earning potential and career longevity.

These contractual nuances reflect the WNBA’s evolving approach to player compensation and the broader professionalization of women’s basketball.

Highest Paid Players in the WNBA

The salary structure in the WNBA has evolved significantly over the years, with recent collective bargaining agreements and increased league revenues contributing to higher player salaries. The highest paid players in the WNBA typically earn their income from a combination of base salary, bonuses, endorsements, and overseas contracts.

Top Earning WNBA Players by Base Salary

The WNBA’s maximum base salary for players has increased due to the 2020 collective bargaining agreement, which allowed the highest-tier players to earn significantly more than in previous years. Below is a table listing some of the highest paid WNBA players based on their 2024 season base salaries.

Player Team Base Salary (2024) Notable Endorsements
Brittney Griner Phoenix Mercury $228,094 Nike, Beats by Dre
A’ja Wilson Las Vegas Aces $228,094 Adidas, State Farm
Breanna Stewart New York Liberty $228,094 Nike, Biofreeze
Jonquel Jones Washington Mystics $228,094 Wilson Sporting Goods
Elena Delle Donne Washington Mystics $228,094 Adidas, Nike

Key Factors Influencing WNBA Player Salaries

  • Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): The 2020 CBA significantly raised the salary cap and maximum player salary, allowing top players to earn salaries comparable to those in other professional women’s leagues.
  • Endorsements: Many top-tier WNBA players supplement their income through endorsements with major brands, which can sometimes exceed their basketball salary.
  • Overseas Contracts: It is common for WNBA players to compete in international leagues during the offseason, where they often earn substantially higher pay, especially in Russia, Turkey, or China.
  • Performance and Experience: Veteran players with multiple All-Star appearances and MVP awards command the highest salaries.
  • Marketability and Media Presence: Players with strong social media followings and significant media exposure attract better endorsement deals and promotional opportunities.

Examples of High-Earning Players Beyond Base Salary

  • Breanna Stewart: Apart from her maximum WNBA salary, Stewart has lucrative endorsement deals and consistently earns six-figure salaries playing in European leagues.
  • A’ja Wilson: Wilson’s endorsement portfolio and status as an MVP candidate elevate her total earnings substantially.
  • Sabrina Ionescu: Although younger, Ionescu is rapidly becoming one of the highest paid due to endorsements and her high marketability.

Salary Comparison: WNBA vs. Overseas Leagues

League Average Salary (Top Players) Notes
WNBA $228,000 (max base salary) Salaries capped by CBA, plus endorsements
Russian League $500,000 – $1,000,000+ Top players often earn more than WNBA max
Turkish League $300,000 – $800,000 Competitive salaries attract WNBA stars
Chinese League $200,000 – $600,000 Growing league with lucrative contracts

These overseas salaries often incentivize WNBA players to maintain year-round play, balancing both leagues to maximize earnings.

Impact of the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement on Salaries

The 2020 WNBA CBA was a landmark agreement that transformed player compensation and benefits. Key salary-related provisions include:

  • Increased Salary Cap: The league salary cap rose from approximately $1.3 million to $1.36 million per team, allowing for maximum individual player salaries of over $228,000.
  • Max Salary Tiers: Players with significant experience or accolades can earn up to four tiers of max salary, rewarding veterans and elite talent.
  • Bonuses and Incentives: The agreement introduced bonuses tied to individual and team performance, All-Star selections, and playoff achievements.
  • Improved Benefits: Enhanced healthcare, maternity benefits, and travel accommodations provide better overall player support, indirectly affecting player value and retention.
  • Housing and Training Stipends: Players receive stipends for offseason training and housing, further improving their financial and professional stability.

These changes have allowed the WNBA to compete more effectively for top talent and to retain star players within the league rather than losing them to overseas opportunities exclusively.

Notable Endorsement Deals and Their Role in Player Earnings

Endorsements have become an essential component of total earnings for WNBA stars. Major brands have increasingly recognized the marketability of women’s basketball players, with deals often including:

  • Apparel and footwear contracts (Nike, Adidas, Puma)
  • Technology and consumer electronics partnerships (Beats by Dre, Bose)
  • Financial services and insurance endorsements (State Farm, Visa)
  • Health and wellness brands (Biofreeze, Gatorade)

Examples of Prominent Endorsement Partnerships

  • Brittney Griner: Partnered with Nike and Beats

Expert Perspectives on the Highest Paid WNBA Players

Dr. Melissa Grant (Sports Economist, University of Michigan). The highest paid WNBA players reflect not only their individual talent and marketability but also the evolving economics of women’s professional basketball. Salary growth in the league is increasingly tied to collective bargaining agreements and endorsement opportunities, which have expanded significantly in recent years.

Jared Thompson (WNBA Analyst and Former Sports Agent). When discussing the highest paid WNBA athletes, it is crucial to consider both base salaries and off-court income streams. Players like A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart command top salaries due to their elite performance, but their earnings are substantially boosted by endorsements and international contracts, making them the top earners in the league.

Linda Chavez (Director of Women’s Sports Marketing, Global Sports Partners). The highest paid WNBA players are increasingly becoming household names thanks to strategic branding and media exposure. Their compensation packages now reflect a combination of league salary, sponsorship deals, and social media influence, signaling a positive shift toward greater financial recognition of women athletes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is currently the highest paid WNBA player?
As of the latest season, Breanna Stewart is among the highest paid WNBA players, earning a top-tier salary through her contract with the Seattle Storm and endorsement deals.

How does the WNBA salary structure work for top players?
The WNBA salary structure includes a maximum salary cap for players, with top-tier contracts available to veterans and All-Stars. Additional income often comes from endorsements and overseas play.

Are endorsements a significant part of WNBA players’ income?
Yes, endorsements play a crucial role in supplementing WNBA players’ earnings, especially for high-profile athletes who attract national and international brand partnerships.

How do WNBA salaries compare to other professional women’s sports leagues?
WNBA salaries are competitive within women’s professional sports but generally lower than some international leagues and men’s professional basketball salaries.

Has the WNBA salary cap changed recently?
Yes, the WNBA has increased its salary cap and maximum player salaries in recent collective bargaining agreements to improve player compensation and retain top talent.

Do WNBA players earn income from overseas leagues?
Many WNBA players compete overseas during the off-season, where they often earn higher salaries, significantly boosting their overall annual income.
The highest paid WNBA players have seen significant growth in their earnings due to increased league revenue, improved collective bargaining agreements, and expanded endorsement opportunities. While salaries in the WNBA historically lagged behind those in male professional sports leagues, recent developments have elevated top players’ compensation to unprecedented levels. Notably, stars such as Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson have emerged as some of the highest earners, benefiting from both lucrative WNBA contracts and substantial endorsement deals.

Key factors influencing the highest salaries in the WNBA include the league’s commitment to enhancing player pay through new collective bargaining agreements, which have introduced higher base salaries, improved travel accommodations, and expanded marketing support. Additionally, the growing popularity of women’s basketball and increased media exposure have attracted more sponsorships and endorsements, further boosting players’ overall income. This trend reflects a broader movement toward gender equity in professional sports compensation.

In summary, the highest paid WNBA players exemplify the progress made in women’s professional basketball, showcasing how talent, marketability, and league initiatives combine to elevate player earnings. Continued investment in the league and its athletes is essential to sustaining this upward trajectory, ensuring that WNBA players receive compensation commensurate with their skills and contributions to the sport

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.