Who are the highest paid WNBA players in 2025? Explore salary rankings, endorsement deals, and what it means for the future of women’s basketball.
In 2025, highest paid WNBA players are finally starting to get the spotlight—and paychecks—they’ve long deserved. With TV ratings skyrocketing, endorsements rolling in, and stars like Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson dominating headlines, WNBA salaries and outside earnings are setting new standards in women’s basketball.
But who’s really making bank? And how do their on-court contracts stack up against their off-court income? Let’s break down the top earners, what’s fueling their financial rise, and what this means for the league’s future.
Why WNBA Salaries Are Rising in 2025
First, a little context.
The 2020 WNBA CBA (collective bargaining agreement) laid the foundation. But in 2025, momentum from:
- Record-breaking viewership
- Massive fan support on social media
- Game-changing endorsement deals
…has accelerated progress like never before.
💬 “This is the era of investment in women’s sports,” said Commissioner Cathy Engelbert during a recent press conference.
Top 10 Highest Paid WNBA Players in 2025
| Rank | Player | Team | Salary (2025) | Endorsement Earnings | Total Estimated Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caitlin Clark | Indiana Fever | $76,535 | $8M+ | $8.1M+ |
| 2 | A’ja Wilson | Las Vegas Aces | $242,000 | $2M+ | $2.25M+ |
| 3 | Sabrina Ionescu | New York Liberty | $234,936 | $2M | $2.2M+ |
| 4 | Breanna Stewart | NY Liberty | $242,000 | $1.5M+ | $1.75M+ |
| 5 | Angel Reese | Chicago Sky | $76,535 | $1.2M+ | $1.3M+ |
| 6 | Kelsey Plum | Las Vegas Aces | $200,000 | $900K+ | $1.1M+ |
| 7 | Diana Taurasi | Phoenix Mercury | $234,936 | $600K+ | $800K+ |
| 8 | Elena Delle Donne | Washington Mystics | $180,000 | $550K+ | $730K+ |
| 9 | Arike Ogunbowale | Dallas Wings | $170,000 | $500K | $670K |
| 10 | Nneka Ogwumike | Seattle Storm | $160,000 | $450K | $610K |
Note: Rookie salaries like Clark’s and Reese’s reflect the league minimum for top draft picks but are offset by multi-million-dollar endorsements.
Caitlin Clark: Changing the Game—And the Market
Caitlin Clark is technically not the highest-paid WNBA player by salary. But when you factor in her endorsement portfolio?
She’s the league’s biggest financial star.
Highlights:
- Nike signature shoe deal worth a reported $5 million
- Major campaigns with Gatorade, State Farm, and Hulu
- Most-followed WNBA player on Instagram with 3.1M+ followers
- Sold-out arenas every road game—media often calls it “The Clark Tour”
“Caitlin Clark is to the WNBA what Steph Curry is to the NBA,” said ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike.
A’ja Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu: Veteran Stars Holding the Bag
Both A’ja Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu are not only elite on the court—they’re staples in advertising.
- Wilson is a two-time MVP and face of the Aces dynasty
- Ionescu’s signature Nike shoe became the best-selling women’s basketball sneaker of 2024
- Both have featured in high-visibility campaigns for AT&T, Beats by Dre, and Google Pixel
Their salaries reflect max contract levels under current WNBA rules, but their value goes far beyond the box score.
Angel Reese: The Rookie Cashing In
Angel Reese may only earn $76K from the league, but her off-court brand is booming.
Endorsements:
- Reebok (signed by Shaquille O’Neal)
- Amazon Prime Video
- McDonald’s and Tampax
She’s incredibly active on social media, often sharing behind-the-scenes content with fans. Her relatability and unapologetic confidence make her a marketer’s dream.
Why Endorsements Matter More Than Ever
WNBA salaries are capped—but endorsements? Sky’s the limit.
Here’s how endorsements shift the balance:
- Increase player independence
- Grow the league’s visibility
- Encourage brands to invest in women’s sports
Biggest endorsement sectors in 2025:
- Athletic wear (Nike, Adidas, Puma)
- Beverage & nutrition (Gatorade, BodyArmor)
- Tech and media (Hulu, Meta, Amazon Prime)
- Personal care (Gillette Venus, Tampax)
Social Media’s Role in Boosting WNBA Player Income
Let’s be honest—your follower count matters in 2025.
| Player | IG Followers | Engagement Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Caitlin Clark | 3.1M | 7.2% |
| Angel Reese | 2.9M | 6.8% |
| A’ja Wilson | 1.6M | 5.4% |
| Sabrina Ionescu | 1.2M | 5.9% |
These numbers directly influence brand deals and sponsorship dollars. Players who can command an audience bring extra value to both teams and advertisers.
WNBA Viewership, Ratings, and Why This Matters
The financial growth of players aligns with exploding WNBA viewership.
| Year | Avg. Regular Season Viewers | Playoff Viewers |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 480,000 | 913,000 |
| 2024 | 750,000 | 1.4 million |
| 2025 | 1.6 million | 2.5 million+ (projected) |
More eyeballs = more revenue = bigger paydays for players.
What’s Next for WNBA Salaries?
The next CBA in 2026 could be a game-changer. Here’s what’s expected:
- Higher salary caps
- Increased revenue share for players
- Global marketing strategies
- Player equity and investment opportunities
“The WNBA is entering its golden era,” said former player and current ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo. “The money is finally starting to reflect the value.”
How to Support WNBA Players Financially
Want to help close the pay gap?
✅ Buy jerseys and merchandise
✅ Watch games live or stream them legally
✅ Follow and engage with players on social
✅ Support brands that invest in WNBA athletes
Your support fuels the growth of women’s sports—every click counts.
Conclusion: The Highest Paid WNBA Players in 2025 Are Leading a Movement
From Caitlin Clark’s unprecedented endorsement empire to A’ja Wilson’s max contract dominance, the highest paid WNBA players in 2025 are redefining what success looks like in women’s basketball.
This isn’t just about money—it’s about momentum. And with fans more invested than ever, the league is poised for its biggest leap yet.
So, who do you think deserves the top payday in the WNBA? Drop your thoughts in the comments, share this with a fellow fan, and subscribe for more in-depth WNBA coverage!
FAQs
1. Who is the highest paid WNBA player in 2025?
By total income, Caitlin Clark is the highest paid, thanks to endorsements. By salary, it’s A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart.
2. What is the WNBA salary cap in 2025?
The team salary cap is $1.5 million, with max contracts around $242,000.
3. How much do WNBA rookies make?
Top rookie contracts start around $76,535 per year.
4. Why do endorsements matter for WNBA players?
Endorsements allow players to earn more than their league salary and boost personal and league visibility.
5. Where can I buy official WNBA jerseys and merch?
Visit the WNBA Official Store or major retailers like Nike and Fanatics.
Also Read: Latest Trending News
External Link: WNBA Official Site
