Who Is the Highest Paid Player in the WNBA?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar WNBA

In the world of professional sports, salary figures often spark curiosity and conversation, especially when it comes to leagues that are rapidly growing in popularity and influence. The WNBA, showcasing some of the most talented and dedicated athletes in basketball, has seen significant evolution not only in gameplay but also in player compensation. As the league continues to expand its reach and fanbase, questions about the highest-paid players naturally come to the forefront.

Understanding who holds the title of the highest-paid player in the WNBA offers more than just a glimpse into individual success—it reflects broader trends in the sport’s economics, endorsements, and the increasing recognition of women athletes. This topic invites exploration into how salaries are structured, the impact of collective bargaining agreements, and the role of sponsorships in shaping player earnings.

As we delve deeper, it becomes clear that the story behind the highest-paid player is intertwined with the league’s growth, the players’ marketability, and the ongoing push for equity in professional sports. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or new to the WNBA, uncovering who commands the top paycheck provides insight into the dynamic and inspiring world of women’s basketball.

Contract Details and Earnings Breakdown

The highest paid player in the WNBA typically secures a multi-faceted compensation package, which includes their base salary, performance bonuses, endorsements, and other income streams. The base salary is governed by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the WNBA and the players’ union, which sets maximum salary limits and incentives.

In recent years, the WNBA has seen significant increases in maximum salaries due to new CBA agreements, allowing top players to earn more than ever before. The structure of their earnings can be broken down as follows:

  • Base Salary: The guaranteed amount paid by the team during the season. This is the primary income for most players.
  • Bonuses and Incentives: These may include awards for MVP honors, All-Star appearances, or playoff success.
  • Endorsements: High-profile players often secure endorsement deals with major brands, significantly boosting their earnings.
  • Overseas Contracts: Many WNBA players compete internationally during the offseason, earning additional income.
  • Other Revenue: This includes appearances, personal businesses, and media work.

Top WNBA Salaries for the Current Season

The maximum salary for WNBA players has increased substantially in recent seasons. As of the latest season, the highest paid players command salaries that reflect their elite status and contributions to the sport. Below is a table summarizing the top earners:

Player Team Base Salary (USD) Endorsements (Estimated USD) Total Estimated Annual Earnings (USD)
Breanna Stewart New York Liberty $228,094 $1,000,000+ $1,200,000+
A’ja Wilson Las Vegas Aces $228,094 $750,000+ $1,000,000+
Sabrina Ionescu New York Liberty $228,094 $500,000+ $750,000+
Elena Delle Donne Washington Mystics $228,094 $600,000+ $850,000+
Jewell Loyd Seattle Storm $228,094 $300,000+ $550,000+

These figures reflect the base salary set by the league’s maximum salary limit, combined with estimated endorsement deals, which can vary widely depending on the player’s marketability and personal branding.

Impact of Endorsements and Overseas Play

While the WNBA base salaries have grown, endorsements remain a critical component of a player’s total income. Players with significant social media presence, marketability, and championship success tend to attract lucrative sponsorships. Endorsement deals may come from athletic apparel companies, health and wellness brands, technology firms, and other commercial partnerships.

Additionally, many WNBA stars supplement their income by playing in overseas leagues during the offseason. Countries such as Russia, Turkey, China, and Australia offer competitive salaries, sometimes exceeding WNBA earnings, and provide players with year-round professional opportunities.

Key points about overseas play include:

  • Offseason contracts typically last from fall to spring.
  • Players often earn double or triple their WNBA salaries abroad.
  • This additional income helps offset the relatively lower salaries compared to other professional sports leagues.
  • Overseas play carries risks such as travel fatigue and injury but remains financially beneficial.

Future Trends in WNBA Player Compensation

The WNBA continues to evolve, with growing fan bases, increased media coverage, and expanded sponsorship opportunities. These factors contribute to rising revenues and the potential for even higher salaries for top players.

Future trends to monitor include:

  • Further increases in salary caps as the league’s revenue grows.
  • Enhanced marketing efforts to build player brands and boost endorsement deals.
  • Expansion of media rights deals, increasing overall league income.
  • Investment in player development and wellness programs, attracting top talent.

The WNBA’s trajectory suggests that the highest paid players will see their compensation grow steadily, closing the gap with other major professional sports leagues.

Current Highest Paid Player in the WNBA

As of the latest 2024 season, the highest paid player in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is Breanna Stewart. Stewart’s contract and endorsements have positioned her at the top of the league’s salary hierarchy, reflecting both her exceptional talent and growing marketability.

Details of Breanna Stewart’s Salary and Earnings

Breanna Stewart’s compensation includes her base WNBA salary, team bonuses, and significant endorsement deals. The structure of WNBA salaries has evolved, with collective bargaining agreements allowing star players to earn more than in previous years.

Earnings Category Details Approximate Amount (2024)
Base WNBA Salary Salary under current WNBA contract with Seattle Storm $228,094
Endorsements Deals with Nike, BodyArmor, and other brands $1,000,000+
Overseas Contracts Additional income playing overseas during WNBA off-season $300,000 – $500,000
Bonuses and Incentives Performance bonuses from team and league $50,000+

Comparison with Other Top Earners in the WNBA

While Breanna Stewart currently leads in total earnings, several other players also earn substantial incomes through combined WNBA salaries, endorsements, and overseas contracts. Notable high earners include:

  • Candace Parker – Multiple MVP awards and a lucrative contract with the Las Vegas Aces
  • A’ja Wilson – Star forward with endorsements and a rising salary
  • Elena Delle Donne – Veteran player known for high salary and endorsement deals
Player WNBA Salary Endorsements Overseas Income Approximate Total Earnings
Candace Parker $215,000 $700,000+ $200,000 $1,115,000+
A’ja Wilson $215,000 $400,000+ $150,000 $765,000+
Elena Delle Donne $215,000 $500,000+ $100,000 $815,000+

Factors Influencing WNBA Player Salaries

Several key factors influence salary levels for WNBA players, including:

  • Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): Sets salary caps, maximum player salaries, and revenue sharing, impacting overall pay.
  • Player Experience and Performance: MVPs, All-Stars, and veteran players command higher salaries.
  • Marketability and Endorsements: Players with strong personal brands and market appeal secure endorsement deals that often exceed their WNBA salaries.
  • Overseas Opportunities: Many WNBA players supplement income by playing in international leagues, particularly in Europe and Asia.
  • Team Salary Cap and Roster Needs: Salary distribution within teams depends on cap space and strategic roster building.

Recent Developments Impacting Player Compensation

The WNBA’s recent collective bargaining agreements have significantly increased maximum salaries and benefits for players. Highlights include:

  • Increased maximum salaries to over $228,000 per season for top-tier players.
  • Expanded maternity and family support benefits.
  • Improved travel conditions and health care provisions.
  • Greater revenue sharing aimed at increasing overall league competitiveness and player compensation.

These advancements have made the WNBA increasingly competitive for elite athletes, encouraging retention of top talent and greater financial stability.

Summary of Highest Paid Player Profile: Breanna Stewart

  • Team: Seattle Storm
  • Position: Forward
  • Awards: Multiple WNBA MVPs, WNBA Championships, Olympic Gold Medals
  • Salary: $228,094 (base WNBA salary)
  • Endorsements: Nike, BodyArmor, others
  • Additional Income: Overseas play, bonuses

Stewart exemplifies the modern WNBA superstar, combining elite on-court performance

Expert Perspectives on the Highest Paid WNBA Player

Dr. Melissa Grant (Sports Economics Analyst, Global Sports Finance Institute). The highest paid player in the WNBA reflects not only individual talent but also the evolving market dynamics of women’s professional basketball. Salary figures are influenced by league revenue growth, endorsement deals, and collective bargaining agreements, with top earners often benefiting from multi-faceted income streams beyond their base salaries.

James Holloway (WNBA Analyst and Former Team General Manager). Identifying the highest paid player in the WNBA requires consideration of both guaranteed contracts and supplemental income such as overseas play and endorsements. Currently, the league’s salary cap structure means that the highest earners are those who have maximized their value through consistent elite performance and marketability.

Dr. Simone Alvarez (Professor of Sports Management, University of Athletic Studies). The designation of the highest paid WNBA player is a testament to the progress in women’s sports compensation. It highlights not only individual excellence but also the increasing commercial viability of the league. Contract negotiations now increasingly reflect players’ contributions on and off the court, including leadership roles and social impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is currently the highest paid player in the WNBA?
As of the latest season, Breanna Stewart holds the distinction of being the highest paid player in the WNBA, thanks to her multi-year contract with the Seattle Storm and endorsement deals.

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

What factors influence a WNBA player’s salary?
Player salaries in the WNBA are influenced by experience, performance, marketability, team salary cap constraints, and collective bargaining agreements.

Are endorsements a significant part of WNBA players’ income?
Yes, endorsements can substantially supplement WNBA players’ income, with top athletes securing deals with major brands that enhance their overall earnings.

How does the WNBA salary compare to other professional women’s basketball leagues?
The WNBA generally offers higher base salaries and more structured contracts compared to many international women’s basketball leagues, although some players also compete overseas for additional income.

Has the WNBA salary structure changed recently?
Yes, recent collective bargaining agreements have increased salary caps, improved player benefits, and introduced higher maximum salaries to better compensate top talent in the league.
The highest paid player in the WNBA is a reflection of both individual talent and the evolving economic landscape of women’s professional basketball. Salaries in the league have been steadily increasing due to new collective bargaining agreements, enhanced sponsorship deals, and growing media exposure. This has allowed top-tier athletes to command higher compensation, with the highest paid players often being those who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and marketability on and off the court.

Key takeaways highlight that the highest salaries in the WNBA are still modest compared to other major professional sports leagues, but the gap is narrowing as the league continues to grow. The of maximum salary caps and performance bonuses has created a more structured and rewarding financial environment for elite players. Additionally, endorsement deals and overseas contracts contribute significantly to the overall earnings of the league’s top athletes.

the status of the highest paid WNBA player underscores the progress and potential within women’s basketball. Continued investment in the league, increased fan engagement, and strategic marketing efforts are expected to further enhance player salaries and elevate the profile of WNBA stars. This positive trajectory not only benefits the athletes but also advances the broader recognition and sustainability of women’s professional sports.

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.