The issue of pay disparity between NBA and WNBA players remains a pressing concern, particularly among WNBA fans. WNBA players, despite their high level of skill and dedication, continue to earn significantly less than their NBA counterparts. As of 2024, the conversation around equal pay has gained more attention with new contracts, rising viewership, and prominent figures advocating for change. Understanding the factors behind the gap, as well as the potential solutions, is crucial for anyone following the evolving landscape of women’s professional basketball.
Recently, a new player in the basketball world has sparked a conversation about these disparities: the Unrivaled Women’s Basketball League. This new 3-on-3 league is offering lucrative contracts to high-profile WNBA players.
Caitlin Clark Joins the Elite Ranks of Highest-Paid Female Athletes
Caitlin Clark’s remarkable rise in the sports world isn’t just about her on-court dominance—it’s also about her growing financial success. Landing at No. 10 on Sportico’s list of the 20 highest-paid female athletes, Clark shares the spotlight with Olympic icon Simone Biles. With $11.1 million in earnings, Clark’s inclusion underscores her growing influence as one of basketball’s brightest stars.
This achievement highlights a new era for female athletes, where on-court performance and marketability go hand in hand. From endorsement deals with top brands to her undeniable impact on women’s basketball, Clark’s ability to leverage her talent into financial success reflects the shifting dynamics of sports economics and the rising recognition of female athletes globally.
Unrivaled Women’s Basketball League
One of the most notable offers went to Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s standout rookie, and the WNBA’s top attraction. In 2024, Clark earned $76,535 with the Fever, part of a four-year contract totaling $338,056. By comparison, Unrivaled offered her an unprecedented deal valued at over $1 million—more than ten times her WNBA salary. This offer, including an equity stake in the league, highlights the financial opportunities outside traditional WNBA contracts, especially as new leagues seek to attract top talent with higher pay.
The Unrivaled Women’s Basketball League, co-founded by WNBA star Napheesa Collier, provides WNBA players an off-season opportunity to earn competitive salaries within the U.S. The league, launching in January 2025, features 3-on-3 games, an 18-second shot clock, and quick, action-packed periods designed to captivate audiences and provide more airtime for players. Clark’s decision could impact not only her career but also the broader conversation around WNBA player pay and opportunities.
Despite the league’s recruitment efforts, Unrivaled President Alex Bazzell emphasized that they’re giving Clark space to make her decision, allowing her to “decompress from basketball.” The league’s expansion to 36 roster spots and the addition of her Fever teammates, Lexie Hull, and Aliyah Boston, along with her Iowa teammate Kate Martin, seem partly aimed at creating a supportive environment that could entice Clark.
How Unrivaled’s Offer Highlights WNBA Salary Challenges
Unrivaled’s offer to Clark highlights the challenges faced by WNBA players seeking fair compensation for their contributions. While top NBA players earn multi-million-dollar contracts, Clark’s WNBA salary of $76,535 pales in comparison, underscoring the need for alternative revenue streams in women’s basketball. Clark’s reported Nike endorsement deal—$28 million over eight years—has helped bridge this gap, but the reality remains: WNBA players are frequently compensated at a fraction of what their NBA counterparts earn, despite rigorous schedules and demanding seasons.
The growth of Unrivaled also signals a shift in how leagues can provide athletes with more lucrative opportunities. With Unrivaled outperforming financial projections and signing a media deal with TNT Sports to broadcast 45 games in prime time, the league is positioning itself as a serious contender in the basketball world. By focusing on short, high-energy 3-on-3 games, Unrivaled provides a unique format that contrasts with the traditional 5-on-5 structure, appealing to fans and creating new earning avenues for players.
Revenue and Popularity
One of the main reasons why WNBA players make less money than NBA players is because the league simply generates less revenue. The NBA is a multi-billion dollar industry with a global fan base and lucrative television deals. In contrast, the WNBA generates a fraction of the revenue of the NBA and has a smaller, less loyal fan base. This means that there is less money available to pay players, which translates into lower salaries.
In addition to generating less revenue, the WNBA also struggles with low attendance and television ratings. While the NBA has a dedicated following and regularly fills arenas, the WNBA often plays in front of small crowds and struggles to get airtime on major networks. This lack of interest from fans and media outlets further contributes to the pay gap between the two leagues.
Angel Reese’s Salary Can’t Pay the Bills
Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky’s All-Star rookie, recently sparked conversations about the financial reality for many WNBA players. During an Instagram Live session, Reese candidly revealed that her $73,439 salary from the WNBA barely covers her expenses. She joked, “I just hope y’all know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all. I don’t even think that pays one of my bills.”
Reese elaborated on her struggles, pointing out that her monthly rent alone costs $8,000, totaling $96,000 annually—far more than her WNBA salary. She laughed, stating that she would “not be able to live” or “pay her car note” on her league earnings alone. This isn’t the first time Reese has highlighted her financial situation. In a prior interview with ESPN, she shared that most of her income comes from endorsements, describing her WNBA salary as a mere “bonus.”
While Reese’s WNBA earnings may be limited, she has secured lucrative endorsements with brands like Reebok, Beats by Dre, and Reese’s chocolates, significantly supplementing her income. She also plays in the offseason, participating in the Unrivaled 3v3 league in Florida, where she can make additional money. This new league provides an alternative to overseas play, an option many WNBA players have historically turned to for supplemental income.
Reese’s situation sheds light on the broader issue of pay disparity in professional basketball. The highest-paid WNBA player, Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces, earned just over $250,000 last season. By comparison, NBA star Steph Curry made $51.9 million last year, illustrating the vast difference between the two leagues. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has acknowledged the challenges but emphasized that progress is being made as the league continues to grow and develop its revenue streams.
Caitlin Clark’s Foray into Golf:
This November, Clark will be part of The Annika, an LPGA Tour event hosted by the legendary Annika Sorenstam. Not only will she participate in the tournament’s pro-am, but she will also be a featured panelist at the Women’s Leadership Summit, held at Pelican Golf Club. The event highlights the growing connection between women’s sports, leadership, and empowerment, and Clark’s involvement exemplifies the versatility and influence WNBA players are gaining across different arenas.
“I love golf, so the opportunity to play in the pro-am for a tournament with a legend like Annika Sorenstam’s name on it is so exciting,” Clark said. This crossover event brings together elite athletes from different sports, further solidifying the expanding platforms and opportunities available to WNBA players.
Clark’s participation in the LPGA event reflects the increasing prominence of WNBA athletes in broader sports and business networks. As an ambassador for Gainbridge, the presenting sponsor of the event, Clark’s presence also demonstrates how WNBA players are stepping into leadership roles beyond the hardwood, influencing both sports and business landscapes.
This growing visibility of WNBA athletes in various fields aligns with broader shifts happening within the league, where players are finding new ways to leverage their platforms for professional and personal growth.
Jewell Loyd’s Groundbreaking Contract
In October 2024, Jewell Loyd, a star player for the Seattle Storm, made headlines by signing a historic contract worth $241,984, which will make her the highest-paid player in WNBA history. This deal reflects a significant shift in how WNBA players are compensated, though the gap between the WNBA and NBA remains vast. Loyd’s contract underscores that while progress is being made, WNBA salaries still pale in comparison to the NBA’s multi-million dollar contracts.
The NBA’s revenue generation and its overall business model allow it to offer significantly higher player salaries. By comparison, the WNBA is working to grow its brand and revenue streams. Still, deals like Loyd’s demonstrate that the league is starting to reward its top athletes more competitively.
Loyd’s signing not only highlights a personal achievement but also a wider trend of increased investment in WNBA players. With rising viewership and higher endorsement deals, players like Loyd are at the forefront of this gradual transformation. However, these changes are just the beginning, and there is much more room for growth, both in terms of player salaries and the overall financial structure of the WNBA.
Shaquille O’Neal Advocates for Equal Pay in the WNBA
A significant voice has recently joined the conversation on pay equity in professional basketball: Shaquille O’Neal. In September 2024, O’Neal publicly supported the movement for equal pay in the WNBA, pointing to rising stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese as prime examples of why the league deserves greater financial backing. According to O’Neal, these young players’ impact on viewership and fan engagement demonstrates the WNBA’s potential, arguing that players like Clark and Reese should be making salaries of up to $20 million annually.
O’Neal’s advocacy comes at a critical time for the WNBA. The 2023 season saw an average of 1.2 million viewers per game, marking a 170% increase from previous years, largely driven by players who captivate both on and off the court. However, despite the surge in popularity, WNBA salaries still pale in comparison to the NBA. The average NBA salary for the 2023-24 season exceeds $12 million, while WNBA players earn an average of just $116,580—a stark contrast in a rapidly evolving sports landscape.
Can Viewership Close the Gap?
O’Neal highlights that fan support is essential to achieving pay equity. While the WNBA has seen boosts in attendance, merchandise sales, and overall fan engagement, the financial structure of the league remains limited. Sponsorship deals and media rights contracts in the WNBA are still far from those of the NBA, making it difficult for the league to offer salaries comparable to the male-dominated league. O’Neal’s push for salaries reaching $20 million highlights both the optimism for the WNBA’s growth and the ongoing financial challenges.
Gender Discrimination
Another factor that contributes to the pay gap between the WNBA and NBA is gender discrimination. Despite the fact that WNBA players are highly skilled athletes who put in the same amount of time and effort as their male counterparts, they are often paid significantly less. This is a common issue for female athletes in a variety of sports, as women’s sports are often valued less than men’s sports due to societal biases and stereotypes.
In addition to facing discrimination in terms of pay, WNBA players also have to contend with other inequalities. For example, they often have to play in subpar facilities and receive less support from their teams and leagues. This further exacerbates the pay gap and makes it more difficult for WNBA players to make a living.
Solutions
While the pay gap between the WNBA and NBA is a complex issue with no easy solution, some steps can be taken to address the issue. One solution is for the WNBA to focus on increasing its revenue and building a larger, more dedicated fan base. This could involve investing in marketing and promotions, improving the quality of games, and finding new ways to engage with fans.
Another solution is for the WNBA to negotiate more favorable terms with its partners and sponsors. By leveraging its collective bargaining power, the league can secure more lucrative deals that will help to close the pay gap with the NBA. This may involve partnering with more high-profile brands and securing better television contracts.
Ultimately, closing the pay gap between the WNBA and the NBA will require a combination of efforts from players, teams, and leagues. By working together and advocating for change, it is possible to create a more equitable and sustainable future for women’s professional basketball.
Expanding on the solutions to address the pay gap between the NBA and WNBA, it’s essential to look beyond immediate financial strategies and consider long-term cultural shifts that can support women’s professional basketball. One avenue involves building stronger fan engagement through innovative content, storytelling, and social media campaigns. Creating compelling narratives around the players—highlighting their journeys, challenges, and successes—can draw more attention to the league.
Increased Media Exposure
One critical step is increasing media coverage of the WNBA. Greater exposure not only familiarizes audiences with the league but can also shift public perception, demonstrating that women’s basketball is just as exciting, competitive, and valuable as men’s basketball. This includes airing more games on prime television networks and ensuring that top-tier sports outlets dedicate regular coverage to WNBA games, players, and major events. Consistent exposure could improve ratings, attendance, and overall visibility for the league, thus leading to increased revenue streams.
Another route to close the pay gap involves capitalizing on digital platforms and streaming services. Since traditional networks may be hesitant to invest heavily, streaming platforms could be an accessible and scalable option for the WNBA to expand its reach. Building a consistent streaming presence on platforms like Amazon, YouTube, or Twitch could open up additional revenue channels while attracting younger, more digitally engaged audiences.
Corporate Sponsorship and Branding
The WNBA can also focus on enhancing its corporate partnerships. Compared to the NBA, the WNBA has fewer big-name sponsors, which limits financial growth opportunities. The league should seek to secure partnerships with high-profile brands that are committed to supporting diversity and inclusion in sports. For example, brands with strong women empowerment initiatives or a focus on social responsibility would likely see alignment with the WNBA. Establishing these partnerships not only brings in more revenue but also boosts the league’s credibility and presence in the corporate world.
Furthermore, individual player branding plays a key role. WNBA athletes are talented, marketable, and capable of attracting sponsorship deals independently, but they often lack the same exposure as NBA players. By building personal brands and increasing social media presence, players can enhance their marketability, draw more personal sponsorships, and bring greater visibility to the league.
Union Support and Collective Bargaining
The WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of women’s professional basketball, advocating not only for better pay but also for improved working conditions. The 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) marked a significant turning point for WNBA players, bringing long-overdue changes to salaries, benefits, and overall player treatment. This new agreement increased base salaries by nearly 53%, pushing top players to earn in the range of $500,000 when including salaries, bonuses, and marketing deals. In contrast, before this agreement, many players had to supplement their income by playing overseas during the offseason.
A standout achievement in the CBA was enhanced maternity benefits. The WNBPA fought for players to receive fully paid maternity leave, something that wasn’t previously guaranteed. The agreement also ensured that players would have access to family planning benefits, including fertility treatment and adoption services, making the WNBA a leader in supporting women athletes as they balance their careers and personal lives.
Travel accommodations were another major focus. Historically, WNBA players faced subpar travel conditions, often flying commercial—leading to frequent delays, discomfort, and minimal recovery time between games. The new CBA made strides toward improving these conditions, although there is still room for growth. Players and fans alike continue to push for charter flights, which are standard in the NBA, arguing that better travel arrangements are essential for player well-being and performance.
The ongoing support and activism of the WNBPA are crucial in pushing for these incremental changes. By maintaining a unified front, the players can use their collective bargaining power to negotiate more equitable financial terms and better working conditions. The union’s strength lies in its ability to foster solidarity among its members, ensuring that their voices are heard and their contributions to the sport are respected. As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity, the efforts of the WNBPA will be key in reducing the gender pay gap and securing a brighter future for women in basketball.
Addressing Cultural and Societal Perceptions
Finally, one of the most profound long-term solutions involves changing societal perceptions around women’s sports. In many cases, women’s sports are still viewed as inferior or less entertaining than men’s, which perpetuates the revenue disparity. Educational campaigns, media initiatives, and advocacy can work to shift this narrative, showing that women’s sports are equally valuable, thrilling, and worthy of attention. Influencers, celebrities, and sports icons can contribute by speaking out about the importance of gender equity in sports, helping change public opinion, and encouraging broader fan support for the WNBA.
By integrating these strategies—focused on media exposure, branding, corporate sponsorship, collective bargaining, and shifting societal norms—the WNBA can make strides toward closing the pay gap. Though these changes take time, they are critical steps to creating a more equitable future in women’s professional basketball.
The Gap Between the WNBA and NBA
The gap between WNBA and NBA salaries is a reflection of revenue disparity, market size, and overall popularity, and while many of us would love to see women athletes paid equally, the issue goes far beyond a single paycheck. The NBA’s immense global reach, fueled by billion-dollar TV deals, merchandise sales, and packed arenas, simply dwarfs the WNBA’s current earning power. It’s not that WNBA players are any less talented—far from it. They work just as hard, face similar physical demands, and showcase elite athleticism on the court. However, the economics of sports are, well, complicated.
At the core of this difference lies fan interest and revenue generation. The NBA has built an empire that attracts massive sponsorship deals, while the WNBA is still growing its fanbase. Yet, the WNBA is on the rise, with viewership numbers and social media engagement improving each year. It’s clear that as the league grows, so too will the earning potential of its athletes.
Now, for a bit of humor: If you ever wanted to know why LeBron James can buy a small island while a WNBA star might be sticking to AirBnB, well, it’s not because one works harder than the other—it’s simply the economics of their respective leagues. But, with more investment and fan support, we could eventually see WNBA players securing those private islands, too. The key? Keep supporting women’s sports, because in the end, it’s about leveling the playing field—financially and beyond.
In the meantime, don’t be surprised if you see WNBA players leading the charge, both on the court and in the push for fair pay. They’re making moves—literally and figuratively.
