The WNBA has seen unprecedented success and viewership in recent years, with the women's NCAA basketball championship game drawing more viewers than the men's in 2023. This surge in popularity should translate to better compensation for WNBA players, but rookie salaries remain shockingly low compared to their male counterparts in the NBA.
Angel Reese, the 2024 WNBA first-round draft pick, revealed that her $73,439 rookie salary is dwarfed by her monthly $8,000 rent, making it clear that the WNBA paycheck alone does not cover her basic living expenses. This is a common issue, as top WNBA draft picks like Caitlin Clark earn around $75,000 in their first year, while the first overall 2023 NBA pick, Victor Wembanyama, signed a $55.7 million rookie contract.
The pay gap between the WNBA and NBA is longstanding and deeply rooted. In contrast to the NBA's model, WNBA players' salaries have historically been capped and disconnected from revenue sharing. This has forced many WNBA players to supplement their income by playing overseas, as was tragically highlighted by Brittney Griner's detention in Russia.
Advocates argue that the WNBA's recent landmark media rights deals, valued at $2.2 billion, demonstrate the growing value and interest in women's basketball. They contend that players should be paid a fair percentage of this revenue, rather than being compared dollar-for-dollar to NBA salaries. The WNBA's collective bargaining agreement is up for renegotiation, and players have opted out, demanding compensation that reflects their worth and the success they've helped build.
The pressure for pay equity is mounting as the WNBA continues to attract rising stars and captivate audiences. This is not just about bigger paychecks, but about recognizing the immense value these athletes bring to the game and ensuring a sustainable future for women's basketball at all levels. The momentum is there, and with the right changes, the WNBA can truly become a league that compensates its players as the superstars they are.