WNBA Salary Breakdown: What Are the Top 10 Most Expensive NBA Salaries?

By Jocelyn Alano June 12, 2024 12:35

Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

In 2024, the topic of WNBA player salaries has sparked widespread discussion, shedding light on the economic landscape of women's professional sports. As a sport management scholar, I've delved into the intricate details surrounding the salaries of WNBA players, exploring the top salaries, average earnings, and the players' quest for equitable compensation.

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Contextualizing WNBA Player Salaries

Insight into WNBA Commissioner's Perspective

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed optimism about the league's growth potential, likening it to a "growth stock."
The league's revenue drivers include media rights, sponsorships, and ticketing, with the expectation of doubling the existing media rights deal of $60 million per year by 2025.

Comparative Analysis with Other Leagues

Comparisons with newly established sports leagues such as the Pro Volleyball Federation and the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) highlight the unique revenue dynamics and growth trajectory of the WNBA.
Major sponsors like Google, Nike, and CarMax, coupled with rights deals with ESPN and Amazon, underscore the financial significance of the WNBA in the sports industry.

Top 10 WNBA Salaries for 2024

The WNBA players' salaries for the 2024 season have garnered significant attention, reflecting the ongoing discussions surrounding equitable compensation in professional women's basketball. Here are the top 10 highest-paid WNBA players for the 2024 season, based on their 2024 cap hit:

Arike Ogunbowale | 2024 Cap Hit: $241,984
Kahleah Copper | 2024 Cap Hit: $241,984
Jewell Loyd | 2024 Cap Hit: $241,984
Diana Taurasi | 2024 Cap Hit: $234,936
Natasha Howard | 2024 Cap Hit: $234,350
Alyssa Thomas | 2024 Cap Hit: $218,000
Brionna Jones | 2024 Cap Hit: $212,500
Kelsey Mitchell | 2024 Cap Hit: $212,000
Napheesa Collier | 2024 Cap Hit: $208,219
Skylar Diggins-Smith | 2024 Cap Hit: $208,219

The ongoing dialogue surrounding WNBA player salaries highlights the significance of addressing pay equity in sports and fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for women athletes

Caitlin Clark's Salary Controversy

Caitlin Clark's WNBA rookie salary, amounting to $338,056 over four years, has sparked debates, especially in comparison to salaries in men's sports leagues.
The disparity in earnings between Clark and male athletes like NBA and NFL rookies has drawn attention from various quarters, including a tweet from President Joe Biden.

Analyzing WNBA Player Salaries

Top Salary in the WNBA

Caitlin Clark's rookie salary of $338,056 stands as a significant data point in the ongoing discourse.
It's noteworthy that only three WNBA teams have exclusive practice facilities, indicating disparities in facilities and resources for players.

WNBA Revenue Share Structure

The disparity in revenue share between WNBA and NBA players is striking, with WNBA players receiving around 10% of total league revenue, compared to the 50% share negotiated by NBA players.

Players Advocating for Equity

WNBA players, supported by long-time fans, have been vocal about the need for greater equity and higher overall pay.
Calls for a larger share of league revenue reflect the players' desire for a fairer compensation structure, rather than a direct comparison to male athletes' salaries.

The Quest for Equitable Compensation

The evolution of WNBA player salaries reflects the league's growth and the players' increasing commercial appeal, as evidenced by Caitlin Clark's multi-million dollar Nike endorsement deal and the rising popularity of the WNBA draft class.

Seeking Parity in Revenue Sharing

The WNBA players' demand for a larger share of league revenue signifies their pursuit of financial parity and recognition of their contributions to the league's success.

In the End

The ongoing discussions around WNBA player salaries underscore the complexities of equitable compensation in professional women's sports. The evolving landscape of player earnings, revenue dynamics, and the players' quest for fairness are central to the ongoing dialogue within the sports community. As the WNBA continues to carve its place in the sports industry, the quest for equitable compensation for its players remains an essential point of consideration for the league's stakeholders and fans alike.

In conclusion, the WNBA's journey towards achieving fair and equitable player compensation reflects the broader societal conversations around gender equality and representation in sports, making it a compelling and multifaceted subject for analysis and debate.