I was wondering about WHY the WNBA players were constantly complaining about the pay they receive compared to the money NBA players make. (I say “make” instead of earn because, although they make their living this way, IT is still a GAME. In my day we played a game because we had fun, and enjoyed playing basketball. I would play any time, any place all day long. To be paid for it was just a bonus.). Early NBA players played pretty much the same way. Many had second jobs, (as do the WNBA players), to supplement their life expenses. Now they do not play BASKETBALL. They play a different game. Made up of some REAL BASKETBALL RULES, but a great many new rules, to make the game easier, and make more money for doing it. But I digress. Back to the title subject I figured the reason the ladies didn’t make the same money as the guys, was because the WNBA doesn’t generate the income as the NBA. But after looking into the situation more closely I found a real reason for the complaint. It appears to me now a valid reason. So here is what I found that changed my mind. Here’s how the NBA and WNBA compare in terms of league income and what players earn on average, based on the most recent reliable data: — League Revenue & Player Pay: NBA vs. WNBA Revenue Share for Players In the NBA, players receive approximately 50% of league revenue under the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) . In contrast, WNBA players currently get only about 9.3% of the league’s revenue—far less than their male counterparts . Some sources mention a higher—though conditional—share of around 20%, tied to surpassing revenue targets , but the widely accepted figure remains 9.3%. — Average Player Salaries NBA Average NBA salary is around $11.9 million per year . Other sources estimate about $9.6 million . WNBA The average WNBA base salary in 2025 is approximately $102,249 . Some higher-end estimates place it closer to $147,745 . Current salary range (2025): Minimum ~$66,000, Maximum ~$249,000–$252,000 . — Summary Comparison Category NBA (approx.) WNBA (approx.) Player Revenue Share ~50% ~9.3% Average Salary $9.6M – $11.9M $102K – $148K Salary Range (Min–Max) ~$1M – >$50M ~$66K – ~$252K — Key Takeaways Huge financial resource gap between leagues explains much of the pay disparity. Structural disparity persists, as WNBA players receive a much smaller share of revenue despite growing league popularity . The WNBA is actively negotiating a new CBA, seeking better revenue sharing and salaries in response to record attendance, rising media rights deals, and player advocacy . Views: 2
