Both popularity levels and competitive standards of women’s basketball continue to advance substantially. The major problem persists because female athletes earn substantially less from the WNBA than their NBA counterparts earn.
In 2025, WNBA players Arike Ogunbowale and Jewell Loyd led the league as the highest earners, earning $249,032 annually. The annual salary increase for the WNBA maximum payer during 2025 shows improvement after the previous year’s minimums but stays woefully behind average NBA player salaries, which exceed $9 million each year.
The discrepancy reveals itself more vividly through revenue distribution inspections between these leagues. The WNBA dishes out 20% of total revenue to player compensation, but the NBA distributes 50% to player compensation.
The Highest Paid WNBA Players: Breaking the Pay Gap and Future of Salaries
Despite its current revenue distribution gaps, the WNBA demonstrates prospects for future financial growth. The WNBA achieved its highest televised viewership numbers in 6 years when the playoffs garnered a 16% increase in audience in 2022. Sponsorship revenue witnessed significant growth as major corporations substantially increased their financial backing of the league.
Sustaining investments in player exposure, international market growth, and thorough marketing strategies would generate higher WNBA revenue outcomes. The 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is an example of positive change, boosting the maximum yearly base salary by approximately 83%.
If the WNBA maintains its upward direction, upcoming athletes might receive compensation that reflects their abilities, commitment, and overall worth to basketball. The following report examines WNBA players who received the most compensation during 2025 while reviewing payment schedules and evaluating potential economic expansion throughout the league.
WNBA’s 10 Highest-Paid Players in 2025
Here are top 10 highest paid WNBA players. Most of them are young and have earned themselves a living.
| Rank | Player Name | Team | Base Salary (2025) | Background |
| 10 | Teaira McCowan | Dallas Wings | $201,400 | Center, dominant in the paint, and a key rebounder for her team. |
| 9 | Dearica Hamby | Los Angeles Sparks | $202,000 | Forward, two-time WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year. |
| 8 | Kayla McBride | Minnesota Lynx | $205,000 | Guard, known for her scoring prowess and veteran leadership. |
| 7 | Sabrina Ionescu | New York Liberty | $208,060 | Guard, triple-double machine, and one of the league’s brightest stars. |
| 6 | Marina Mabrey | Connecticut Sun | $210,000 | Guard, recognized for her sharpshooting and playmaking skills. |
| 5 | Napheesa Collier | Minnesota Lynx | $214,284 | Forward, known for her consistency and versatility on the court. |
| 4 | Skylar Diggins-Smith | Seattle Storm | $214,466 | Guard, multiple-time All-Star, recognized for her leadership and scoring. |
| 3 | Kahleah Copper | Phoenix Mercury | $248,134 | Forward, the WNBA Finals MVP celebrated for her athleticism and defensive prowess. |
| 2 | Jewell Loyd | Seattle Storm | $249,032 | Guard, Olympic gold medalist, renowned for her scoring ability and clutch performances. |
| 1 | Arike Ogunbowale | Dallas Wings | $249,032 | Guard, noted for her scoring titles and dynamic offensive play. |
The typical salary for WNBA players is around $150,000 per year, whereas NBA players’ average salary is about $10 million, according to Sporting News. However, with the arrival of newcomers like Caitlin Clark, the fame has more viewership, eventually aiding in the robust revenue models. Nevertheless, for now, the following five highest-paid WNBA players can expect great things ahead as the league holds more credibility and attention from basketball fanatics.
10. Teaira McCowan
The powerhouse center McCowan brought instant dominance to the paint after the WNBA selected her in the 2019 draft. As part of the Dallas Wings, she thrives in defensive situations and rebounds well. The increased recognition of McCowan brought her endorsement contracts with Under Armour and several other athletic brands.
- Base Salary (2025): $201,400
- Contract Details: 2024–2026, Total Value: $402,800, Career Earnings: $538,343
- Teams Played For: Indiana Fever (2019–2021), Dallas Wings (2022–Present)
Also Read: 10 Best WNBA Dunks of All Time
9. Dearica Hamby
Defense meets multidirectional talent describes WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year recipient Hamby who won both awards. Throughout her membership with the Los Angeles Sparks, she safeguards her standing as a core player on the roster. When Hamby transitioned to professional basketball she earned partnership deals from Nike alongside multiple fitness and sports marketing partnerships.
Base Salary (2025): $202,000
- Contract Details: 2024–2026, Total Value: $404,000, Career Earnings: $668,556
- Teams Played For: Las Vegas Aces (2015–2022), Los Angeles Sparks (2023–Present)
8. Kayla McBride
McBride provides scoring reliability along with leadership support to every basketball team she plays for. While playing with the Minnesota Lynx, she delivers consistent scoring performance. Through her endorsement agreements, McBride represents Adidas among other brands.
- Base Salary (2025): $205,000
- Contract Details: 2024–2026, Total Value: $410,000, Career Earnings: $804,000
- Teams Played For: San Antonio Stars (2014–2017), Las Vegas Aces (2018–2020), Minnesota Lynx (2021–Present)
7. Sabrina Ionescu
The New York Liberty’s selection of 2020 established Ionescu as the WNBA’s most promising young talent and pillar for their team because of her 3-2 achievements. The coach manages her money by forging large endorsement contracts with major brands like Nike, Beats by Dre, and State Farm.
Sabrina Ionescu
- Base Salary (2025): $208,060
- Contract Details: 2024–2026, Total Value: $416,120, Career Earnings: $872,702
- Teams Played For: New York Liberty (2020–Present)
6. Marina Mabrey
The offensively versatile basketball star Mabrey locks down opponents by shooting accurately while providing consistent performance for all teams she joins. Her trade to the Connecticut Sun highlighted the market value of Mabrey, who now partners with Nike and other sports and lifestyle brands.
Marina Mabrey
- Base Salary (2025): $210,000
- Contract Details: 2024–2026, Total Value: $420,000, Career Earnings: $759,866
- Teams Played For: Los Angeles Sparks (2019), Dallas Wings (2020–2022), Chicago Sky (2023), Connecticut Sun (2024–Present)
5. Napheesa Collier
Absolute consistency and adaptability in a forward position led Collier to become the Minnesota Lynx’s key image. Since her 2019 draft, she cemented her place as a leading player in the league with her versatile skill set. Through contracts with Nike and Wilson Basketball, she receives financial backing.
Napheesa Collier
- Base Salary (2025): $214,284
- Contract Details: 2024–2026, Total Value: $428,568, Career Earnings: $1,076,629
- Teams Played For: Minnesota Lynx (2019–Present)
4. Skylar Diggins-Smith
Diggins-Smith boasts WNBA All-Star recognition three times over because she uses her stellar scoring abilities alongside elite playmaking leadership skills. Her NBA career began with Tulsa Shock then led to Dallas Wings and Phoenix Mercury followed by her signing with the Seattle Storm. By sharing endorsement partnerships with Puma, BodyArmor, and Beats by Dre she has attained notoriety as one of the WNBA’s most recognizable athletes.
Skylar Diggins-Smith
- Base Salary (2025): $214,466
- Contract Details: 2024–2026, Total Value: $428,932, Career Earnings: $1,481,400
- Teams Played For: Tulsa Shock (2013–2015), Dallas Wings (2016–2019), Phoenix Mercury (2020–2023), Seattle Storm (2024–Present)
3. Kahleah Copper
As Chicago Sky Finals MVP honoree, Copper made her mark through athletic prowess and comprehensive court control abilities. Once she became a Phoenix Mercury team member, her excellence only grew stronger. Through her partnerships with Adidas and Gatorade, Copper demonstrates excellent market potential.
- Base Salary (2025): $248,134
- Contract Details: 2024–2026, Total Value: $496,268, Career Earnings: $1,092,329
- Teams Played For: Washington Mystics (2016), Chicago Sky (2017–2023), Phoenix Mercury (2024–Present)
2. Jewell Loyd
Loyd secured two WNBA championships while standing as the WNBA’s highest draft pick, making her a leading scorer. During her entire career with the Seattle Storm, she has maintained her reputation as a reliable performer with crucial moments. The Jordan Brand has selected Loyd as one of their athletes along with her role as a Red Bull ambassador, making her an elite endorser in the WNBA.
- Base Salary (2025): $249,032
- Contract Details: 2024–2026, Total Value: $498,064, Career Earnings: $1,067,038
- Teams Played For: Seattle Storm (2015–Present)
1.Arike Ogunobwale
Ogunbowale earned franchise status after the Dallas Wings selected her as the 5th overall pick during the 2019 draft. As a Notre Dame college athlete, she received huge fame from her buzzer-beating moments in women’s basketball. Through endorsement deals with Nike and BodyArmor Ogunbowale increases her NBA compensation.
- Base Salary (2025): $249,032
- Contract Details: 2024–2026, Total Value: $498,064, Career Earnings: $955,754
- Teams Played For: Dallas Wings (2019–Present)
Full List of the Top 20 Players
Here is the broader view of top 20 highest paid athletes in WNBA as of 2025:-
| Rank | Player Name | Team | Base Salary (2025) |
| 20 | Ezi Magbegor | Seattle Storm | $186,000 |
| 19 | Jordin Canada | Atlanta Dream | $190,000 |
| 18 | Allisha Gray | Atlanta Dream | $190,000 |
| 17 | Jonquel Jones | New York Liberty | $195,000 |
| 16 | Brittney Sykes | Washington Mystics | $195,000 |
| 15 | Azurá Stevens | Los Angeles Sparks | $195,000 |
| 14 | Chelsea Gray | Las Vegas Aces | $196,267 |
| 13 | Natasha Cloud | Phoenix Mercury | $200,000 |
| 12 | Ariel Atkins | Washington Mystics | $200,000 |
| 11 | A’ja Wilson | Las Vegas Aces | $200,000 |
| 10 | Teaira McCowan | Dallas Wings | $201,400 |
| 9 | Dearica Hamby | Los Angeles Sparks | $202,000 |
| 8 | Kayla McBride | Minnesota Lynx | $205,000 |
| 7 | Sabrina Ionescu | New York Liberty | $208,060 |
| 6 | Marina Mabrey | Connecticut Sun | $210,000 |
| 5 | Napheesa Collier | Minnesota Lynx | $214,284 |
| 4 | Skylar Diggins-Smith | Seattle Storm | $214,466 |
| 3 | Kahleah Copper | Phoenix Mercury | $248,134 |
| 2 | Jewell Loyd | Seattle Storm | $249,032 |
| 1 | Arike Ogunbowale | Dallas Wings | $249,032 |
Also Read: Angel Reese’s Net Worth, Salary, Family and WNBA Stats
FAQs
Q. How Much Does The Highest Paid WNBA Player Make?
The highest-paid WNBA players are Arike Ogunbowale and Jewell Loyd, each earning $249,032.
QIs Caitlin Clark The Highest Paid WNBA Player?
No, Caitlin Clark is not the highest-paid player in 2025.
Q. Who is the highest-paid WNBA rookie in 2024?
Salary data for most rookies are not specified , but They earn significantly from endorsements.
Q What Is The Highest Paid Player In The WNBA?
The highest-paid players are Arike Ogunbowale and Jewell Loyd, both with $249,032.