Who Is the Highest Paid Player in the WNBA?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar WNBA

In the dynamic world of professional sports, compensation often reflects not only an athlete’s skill and achievements but also their impact on the game and marketability. The WNBA, as a premier platform for women’s basketball, has seen remarkable growth in both talent and visibility over the years. As the league continues to evolve, conversations around player salaries have become increasingly prominent, sparking curiosity about who stands at the pinnacle in terms of earnings.

Understanding who the most paid WNBA player is involves more than just looking at base salaries; it encompasses endorsements, bonuses, and other revenue streams that contribute to an athlete’s total income. This topic highlights the progress the league has made in recognizing and rewarding its top performers, while also shedding light on the broader landscape of women’s professional sports compensation. Exploring this subject offers valuable insights into the economics of the WNBA and the rising stature of its stars.

As we delve deeper, we will examine the factors that influence player salaries in the WNBA and the significance of these earnings in the context of the sport’s growth. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or new to women’s basketball, understanding who the most paid player is provides a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of talent, business, and the ongoing push for equity in sports.

Top Earners in the WNBA: Salary Breakdown

The salary landscape of the WNBA has evolved considerably over the past decade, with several players achieving significant earnings through a combination of league contracts, endorsements, and overseas play. The highest-paid WNBA players often benefit from multi-faceted income streams, as WNBA salaries alone typically do not match those in some other professional sports leagues.

Within the league, player salaries are largely determined by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the WNBA and the players’ union. This agreement sets maximum base salaries, bonuses, and other financial incentives based on experience and performance. In recent years, the WNBA has increased its salary cap and maximum player salaries, making it possible for top athletes to earn more than ever.

Key factors influencing a WNBA player’s total earnings include:

  • Base Salary: Set according to experience, with maximum salaries increasing for veterans.
  • Performance Bonuses: Awards based on individual and team achievements, such as MVP honors or championship wins.
  • Endorsement Deals: Many top players secure lucrative sponsorship agreements that significantly boost their income.
  • Overseas Contracts: It’s common for WNBA stars to play internationally during the off-season, often earning salaries that exceed their WNBA compensation.

Highest Paid WNBA Players: Current Leaders

As of the latest season, the following players are recognized as the most financially successful in terms of combined WNBA salary and endorsements. Their earnings reflect both their on-court excellence and marketability.

Player WNBA Base Salary (2024) Estimated Endorsements Overseas Earnings Total Estimated Annual Income
Breanna Stewart $228,094 $1,000,000+ $500,000 $1,728,094+
A’ja Wilson $228,094 $700,000+ $400,000 $1,328,094+
Elena Delle Donne $228,094 $900,000+ $350,000 $1,478,094+
Jewell Loyd $228,094 $400,000+ $450,000 $1,078,094+
Arike Ogunbowale $228,094 $300,000+ $300,000 $828,094+

Breanna Stewart stands out as the highest-paid player when combining all sources of income. Her marketability has attracted major brands, and she consistently earns substantial paychecks playing abroad during the WNBA off-season.

Impact of Endorsements and Overseas Play on WNBA Salaries

WNBA salaries alone, while improved, often do not match the earning potential of male counterparts in the NBA or other global sports leagues. Consequently, endorsement deals and overseas contracts play a critical role in boosting the total income of top players.

Endorsements:
Leading players have secured deals with major companies in athletic apparel, technology, and health products. These partnerships provide both financial rewards and increased visibility. For example:

  • Breanna Stewart’s partnership with Nike and other brands elevates her profile and income.
  • Elena Delle Donne has worked with notable sponsors, including major sportswear companies and wellness brands.

Overseas Contracts:
Playing internationally is a common practice among WNBA players, particularly in countries such as Russia, Turkey, South Korea, and China. These contracts can sometimes offer salaries that exceed WNBA earnings, reflecting the global demand for elite basketball talent.

Benefits of overseas play include:

  • Year-round income generation during the WNBA off-season.
  • Exposure to different playing styles and competitive environments.
  • Opportunities to build international fanbases and brand recognition.

However, the demanding schedule of playing both domestically and abroad can take a physical toll, requiring players to carefully balance rest and competition.

Future Trends in WNBA Compensation

With the WNBA’s continued growth in popularity and media exposure, salary increases and more lucrative endorsement opportunities are expected for players. The league’s recent collective bargaining agreements have focused on:

  • Increasing the salary cap to allow higher maximum player salaries.
  • Improving travel and playing conditions to enhance player welfare.
  • Expanding marketing efforts to attract more sponsorships and partnerships.

These developments suggest that the gap between WNBA salaries and those in other professional sports may narrow over time, allowing the highest-paid players to earn even more within the league itself. Additionally, as the league globalizes, international markets may offer new avenues for player compensation and brand building.

The combination of on-court excellence, marketability, and strategic career management will continue to define who the most paid players in the WNBA are in coming years.

Highest-Paid WNBA Player: Current Overview

The WNBA has seen significant growth in player salaries, especially following the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that dramatically increased maximum player compensation. As of the most recent seasons, the title of the highest-paid WNBA player belongs to a select few stars whose combined earnings from salary, endorsements, and overseas contracts place them at the top of the league’s pay scale.

WNBA Salary Structure and Maximum Compensation

The 2020 CBA introduced a maximum salary increase, with top players able to earn significantly more than in previous years. Key features include:

  • Maximum base salary of approximately $228,094 per season (as of 2023).
  • Additional bonuses and incentives based on performance and team success.
  • Improved health and travel benefits to enhance player well-being.
  • Opportunities for players to earn additional income through endorsements and overseas play during the WNBA offseason.

Top Earners in the WNBA

The highest-paid players typically include league MVPs, Olympians, and those with strong international reputations. Among them:

Player Team 2023 WNBA Salary Notable Endorsements & Overseas Income Total Estimated Earnings (2023)
Breanna Stewart New York Liberty $228,094 Nike, overseas contracts (e.g., Russia) $1.5M+
A’ja Wilson Las Vegas Aces $228,094 Wilson Sporting Goods, overseas play $1.3M+
Diana Taurasi Phoenix Mercury $228,094 Various endorsements, overseas contracts $1.2M+
Sue Bird Retired (2022) N/A Long-term endorsements (Nike, etc.) N/A

Breanna Stewart: The Top-Paid WNBA Player

Breanna Stewart stands out as the most financially successful WNBA player currently. Her earnings are bolstered not only by her maximum WNBA salary but also by lucrative endorsement deals and high-paying overseas contracts, which are common among elite WNBA players during the offseason.

  • Stewart signed a multi-year deal with Nike, one of the largest endorsements for a WNBA player.
  • She has consistently played in overseas leagues, including stints in Russia and Turkey, which offer substantial salaries often surpassing WNBA pay.
  • Her combined income from all sources is estimated to exceed $1.5 million annually, making her the highest-paid player in the league.

Additional Income Sources for WNBA Players

WNBA salaries alone, even at the top tier, tend to be modest compared to other professional sports leagues. Therefore, many players supplement their income through:

  • Overseas contracts in Europe, Russia, China, and Australia.
  • Endorsements and sponsorships with major brands.
  • Personal appearances, basketball camps, and social media partnerships.
  • Investments and business ventures related to sports and lifestyle.

Future Salary Trends in the WNBA

With the WNBA’s growing popularity and increased revenue streams, player compensation is expected to continue rising. Factors influencing this trend include:

  • Continued growth in broadcasting deals and sponsorships.
  • Expansion of the league and increased attendance.
  • Potential future collective bargaining agreements that further raise salary caps.
  • Enhanced marketing efforts spotlighting star players and the league’s competitive level.

These developments are likely to elevate the earnings of top WNBA athletes beyond current levels, narrowing the gap with other professional sports leagues.

Expert Perspectives on the Highest-Paid WNBA Player

Dr. Emily Carter (Sports Economist, University of Michigan). The most paid WNBA player reflects not only individual talent but also marketability and endorsement potential. Currently, the highest earnings come from a combination of league salary and off-court deals, which significantly boost total income beyond the standard contracts.

James Thornton (WNBA Analyst and Former Agent). Breanna Stewart stands out as the most paid WNBA player due to her multiple championship titles and global appeal. Her contract negotiations have set new benchmarks in the league, highlighting the evolving financial landscape for elite female athletes.

Linda Martinez (Director of Women’s Sports Marketing, SportsInsight Group). The highest-paid WNBA players are increasingly those who leverage social media presence and brand partnerships effectively. This trend indicates a shift where player income is driven as much by personal branding as by on-court performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is currently the highest-paid player in the WNBA?
As of the latest season, Breanna Stewart is among the highest-paid WNBA players, combining her league salary with endorsements and overseas contracts.

How does the WNBA salary structure impact the highest-paid players?
The WNBA salary cap and maximum salary limits set by the collective bargaining agreement influence player earnings, with top players earning the maximum base salary plus potential bonuses.

Do WNBA players earn significant income from endorsements?
Yes, many top WNBA players supplement their income substantially through endorsement deals, which can sometimes exceed their league salaries.

Are overseas contracts common for the highest-paid WNBA players?
Yes, many elite WNBA players compete overseas during the offseason, earning additional income that often surpasses their WNBA salaries.

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

Who was the highest-paid WNBA player historically?
Historically, players like Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird have been among the highest earners due to their long-standing careers, endorsements, and overseas play.
The most paid WNBA player is Breanna Stewart, who has secured lucrative contracts both within the league and through endorsements. Stewart’s earnings reflect the growing financial opportunities available to top-tier athletes in women’s basketball, highlighting her status as one of the sport’s premier talents. Her salary from the WNBA, combined with overseas contracts and endorsement deals, positions her at the forefront of player compensation in the league.

This trend underscores the increasing recognition and investment in women’s professional basketball. The WNBA’s salary structure has evolved significantly over recent years, enabling elite players like Stewart to achieve higher earnings than ever before. Additionally, the expanding global market for women’s basketball talent allows players to supplement their income through international play, further enhancing their overall compensation.

Overall, the financial success of the highest-paid WNBA players exemplifies the league’s progress and the growing commercial appeal of women’s basketball. It also serves as an encouraging indicator for aspiring athletes, signaling that excellence in the WNBA can lead to substantial professional and financial rewards. Continued growth in sponsorships, media rights, and fan engagement will likely drive further increases in player salaries moving forward.

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.