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WNBA Salaries Are Rising, But Are They Enough? The real story behind the numbers – Essence

WNBA Salaries Are Rising, But Are They Enough? The real story behind the numbers – Essence

WNBA Salaries Are Rising, But Are They Enough? The real story behind the numbers

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 06: A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces brings the ball up court against Betnijah Laney-Hamilton #44 of the New York Liberty in the first quarter of Game Four of the Semifinals 2024 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 6, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Liberty defeated the Aces 76-62 to win the series three games to one. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photo, user agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

When Angel Reese signed with the Chicago Sky as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, she entered a league that is very different from five years ago. The salary landscape has changed dramatically – but let’s be honest about whether these changes are truly transformational or just incremental steps toward what these athletes earn.

The raw numbers tell a story of progress. The 2024 WNBA season shows the highest salaries in the league’s historywith top players eligible to earn up to $241,984. The supermax salary has increased 94% since 2019, when the league’s elite players topped out at $121,500. Even the minimum salary for rookies has increased to $64,154 – more than double what it was in 2019. But here’s where things get complicated. While the The WNBA salary cap was $1.4 million per team in 2024, The NBA salary cap is $140 million. Yes, you read that correctly. And before anyone comes up with the “just revenue” argument, let’s recognize that even after accounting for differences in league revenues, WNBA players receive about 33% of league revenues, while NBA players players get roughly 50%.

For most WNBA players, making it work means playing year-round. According to the AP about 50% of the players also compete abroad during the WNBA offseason. Stars like Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson may earn top dollar in both markets, but this double duty comes at a cost: physical wear and tear, time away from family, and the mental strain of never really having an off-season .

The marketing dollars tell a very different story. That of the League Collective Labor Agreement 2020 included provisions for increased marketing opportunities, but in 2023 only a handful of players were able to secure major brand deals. In the meantime, Caitlin Clark’s NIL valuation was $3.1 million before even entering the WNBA draft, highlighting both the potential and the disparity in the way women’s basketball talent is valued.

What is particularly striking is the racial dynamics at play. In a competition true more than 60% of the players are black womenthe conversation about fair compensation isn’t just about gender – it’s about racial equality in sports. When we talk about WNBA salaries, we’re talking about the undervaluing of Black women’s labor, a story that resonates far beyond the basketball court.

The League has taken steps in the right direction. The new CBA introduced progressive elements such as fully paid maternity leave, improved travel accommodations and potential revenue sharing opportunities. These changes came after years of player activism, led by women like Angel McCoughtry and Nneka Ogwumike, who weren’t afraid to demand better.

But let’s be clear: better than before is not the same as good enough. When the minimum WNBA salary is barely higher than the average American household incomewe’re not just talking about a gender pay gap – we’re talking about the fundamental devaluation of women’s professional sports.

The question isn’t whether WNBA players should be grateful for these raises. The question is why in 2024 we still need to justify fair compensation for professional athletes who consistently deliver world-class performances, drive cultural conversations and inspire the next generation of players.

The salary increases are a start, not an end. As viewership continues to rise, the 2024 WNBA Finals saw a 115% increase in viewers compared to the previous year – the momentum for real change is increasing. The numbers are going up, yes, but until they reflect the true value these athletes bring to the game, our job is not done.