Highest paid WNBA player ? Lets see, The world of women’s college basketball is witnessing a meteoric rise. With each passing year, the NCAA is churning out extraordinary talent like Sabrina Ionescu, Aliyah Boston, and Satou Sabally, who have all been catapulted to stardom in the WNBA.
Introduction
The 2024 draft promises to take this momentum even further, introducing a new set of stars such as Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso, and Aaliyah Edwards. The conclusion? The future of the WNBA is resplendent.
While this progress is pushing the bounds of the sport, the earnings of professional women’s basketball players are under the spotlight. These athletes can boost their income through NIL deals, an alternative to relying solely on a pro contract for monetary reward.
Although the WNBA does not match the lofty NBA salaries. The players at the zenith of their game have the potential to earn six-figure sums. The question that follows is: Who is the highest-paid WNBA player? Drawing from The US-Tally, we unravel the top 10 highest-paid WNBA players for the 2024 season.
Equal pay in sports has been a contentious issue, particularly when comparing the earnings of NBA and WNBA players, as has been widely discussed.. Despite the WNBA’s growing success and popularity, the wage difference persists.
Stats –
Leading the league in earnings is a two-time WNBA champion from Las Vegas Aces, Jackie Young. Named as the highest paid WNBA player pulling in an annual $252,450 after inking a two-year, $504,900 contract extension with the Aces.
Following suit is Seattle Storm’s superstar, Jewell Loyd, raking in $245,508 per annum. Right on her tail is Kahleah Copper, earning $245,059 yearly. Copper signed a two-year, $490,118 contract with the Chicago Sky before the team traded her to the Mercury.
Arike Ogunbowale, a rising star from the Wings, ranks fourth with an annual income of $241,984. Diana Taurasi, a seasoned WNBA player, rounds off the top five, earning $234,936 each year.
Soon to be joining the league is Caitlin Clark, fresh from her historic collegiate career at Iowa. She’s set to make a respectable $76,000 to start, positioning her as the 96th highest paid WNBA player.
Top 10 highest paid WNBA player 2024
1. Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces) – (Highest paid WNBA player)
- Annual Salary: $252,450 per year
At just 24 years old, Jackie Young has already solidified herself as one of the top players in the WNBA. In her first two seasons with the Las Vegas Aces, she helped lead them to a Finals appearance and was named the 2019 Rookie of the Year. With her impressive on-court skills and marketability off the court, it’s no surprise that she is currently the highest paid WNBA player.
2. Jewell Loyd (Seattle Storm)
- Annual Salary: $245,508 per year
Since her selection as the first overall draft pick in 2015, Jewell Loyd has played a pivotal role for the Seattle Storm.. She has helped lead the team to two WNBA championships and was named an All-Star for the past three seasons. Loyd’s combination of speed, agility, and scoring ability make her a valuable asset on any team.
3. Kahleah Copper (Chicago Sky) –
- Annual Salary: $245,059 per year
After being drafted in 2016, Kahleah Copper quickly established herself as a prominent figure in the WNBA.. In 2020, she earned the title of Most Improved Player and played a pivotal role in leading the Chicago Sky to their inaugural WNBA Finals appearance. Her athleticism and versatile playing style make her a valuable asset on both ends of the court.
4. Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings) –
- Annual Salary: $241,984 per year
Arike Ogunbowale has been a standout player since her collegiate career at Notre Dame, where she hit multiple game-winning shots in the NCAA tournament. In the WNBA, she quickly became one of the league’s top scorers and earned the name of an All-Star in just her second season. Ogunbowale’s ability to create and score on offense makes her a valuable asset for the Dallas Wings.
5. Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury) –
- Annual Salary: $234,936 per year
Many consider Diana Taurasi to be one of the greatest players in WNBA history. She has been with the Phoenix Mercury since 2004 and has helped lead them to three WNBA championships. Taurasi’s impressive career includes numerous accolades such as being a 10-time All-Star, three-time scoring champion, and two-time Finals MVP. Her leadership and consistent high-level play make her a valuable asset for any team.
6. Natasha Howard, F, Dallas
- Annual Salary: $224,675 per year
Natasha Howard has become a formidable force in the WNBA, known for her defensive prowess and versatility on the court. Since joining the team in 2014, Howard has evolved into an essential player. She has significantly contributed to the team’s success. Her athleticism and ability to play both ends of the court have earned her the recognition she deserves, along with a substantial salary increase, positioning her as one of the top earners in the league.
7. Erica Wheeler, G, Indiana
- Annual Salary: $222,154 per year
Erica Wheeler’s inspiring journey from undrafted player to WNBA All-Star highlights her determination and skill. Wheeler has made a name for herself with her quickness, court vision, and scoring ability. Her leadership on the court and impressive play have made her one of Indiana Fever’s most valuable players, justifying her place among the WNBA’s highest earners.
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8. Alyssa Thomas, F, Connecticut
- Annual Salary: $209,000 per year
Alyssa Thomas consistently performs with an all-around game for the Connecticut Sun. Her ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game, from scoring and rebounding to playmaking, makes her a triple-double threat in many games. Thomas’s physicality and intensity have been instrumental in her team’s success, earning her a well-deserved spot among the top earners.
9. Brittney Griner, C, Phoenix
- Annual Salary: $227,900 per year
Brittney Griner, one of the most dominant centers in the history of the WNBA, has been a game-changer for the Phoenix Mercury. With her unparalleled shot-blocking ability and offensive talent, Griner has earned multiple All-Star selections and a Defensive Player of the Year award. Her impact on and off the court has secured her a top spot in the league’s salary rankings.
10. Skylar Diggins-Smith, G, Phoenix
- Annual Salary: $221,450 per year
Skylar Diggins-Smith has solidified her status as one of the premier guards in the WNBA. Known for her scoring, leadership, and competitive fire, Diggins-Smith brings intensity and passion to every game. Her move to Phoenix saw her taking on a crucial role for the Mercury, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive strategies and making her one of the league’s top-paid players.
In conclusion, the WNBA may not have achieved equal pay with their NBA counterparts, but the league’s top players are still earning lucrative salaries. Established veterans like Diana Taurasi, as well as rising stars Arike Ogunbowale and Natasha Howard, are proving their worth on the court and being rewarded for it. With continued success and the addition of new, talented players like Caitlin Clark to the league, we can expect to see even more changes and improvements in WNBA player salaries in the future. Until then, we celebrate and recognize the top earners who are leading the way for women’s basketball and paving the path for future generations.
