Curious about the highest paid WNBA players in 2025? Explore the top 10 WNBA salaries, endorsements, and financial trends shaping the league this season.
Why WNBA Salaries Are Growing in 2025
The topic of highest paid WNBA players 2025 is getting more attention than ever—and for good reason. Salaries are rising, endorsement deals are booming, and the WNBA is finally starting to get the respect (and financial backing) it deserves. But what’s behind this financial leap?
Impact of the 2020 CBA
The 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) changed everything. Players now enjoy higher max salaries, increased bonuses, maternity benefits, and revenue-sharing opportunities. By 2025, we’re seeing those benefits take full effect.
Growth of Media Rights and Viewership
With record-breaking viewership on ESPN, Amazon Prime, and ABC, the league is securing better media deals. That leads to more money in the pot—and more in players’ pockets.
Influence of NIL and Social Media Branding
Players entering the WNBA post-NIL era (like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese) already come with a massive following. That visibility makes them magnets for endorsements and raises their overall value, on and off the court.
What Factors Influence a WNBA Player’s Earnings?
Base Salary from Team Contracts
Every WNBA player gets a base salary, depending on experience, performance, and whether they’re on a max deal. The current supermax salary in 2025 is approximately $252,450.
Endorsements and Off-Court Deals
Nike, Adidas, Puma, and Gatorade are just a few of the companies investing heavily in WNBA athletes. For some players, endorsements double or triple their on-court income.
International Play and Bonuses
Many players earn more overseas during the WNBA offseason. Countries like Turkey, Russia, and China often pay six- or even seven-figure deals to top stars.
Highest Paid WNBA Players 2025: Top 10 List
Now, let’s break down the highest paid WNBA players in 2025, combining base salary and off-court earnings.
1. A’ja Wilson – Las Vegas Aces
Estimated Earnings: $1.1 Million
The two-time MVP and cornerstone of the Aces is not just dominant—she’s marketable. With endorsements from Nike, AT&T, and Gatorade, A’ja tops the list.
2. Breanna Stewart – New York Liberty
Estimated Earnings: $1 Million
Stewart is a walking highlight reel and a fan favorite in the Big Apple. Her base salary maxes out, and her deals with Puma, Visa, and ESPN bring in huge revenue.
3. Sabrina Ionescu – New York Liberty
Estimated Earnings: $950,000
With her own signature Nike shoe and national ad campaigns, Ionescu has become one of the faces of the league.
4. Jewell Loyd – Seattle Storm
Estimated Earnings: $800,000
The “Gold Mamba” has been putting up elite numbers, and her shoe deal with Nike plus international play boosts her total earnings.
5. Arike Ogunbowale – Dallas Wings
Estimated Earnings: $750,000
Arike is a scorer’s scorer—and brands love her energy. She’s partnered with Adidas and is constantly in demand for appearances.
6. Elena Delle Donne – Washington Mystics
Estimated Earnings: $700,000
Though injuries have slowed her a bit, Delle Donne is still a top earner with contracts from Nike and national health campaigns.
7. Napheesa Collier – Minnesota Lynx
Estimated Earnings: $670,000
A new face of the Lynx, Collier is young, skilled, and growing her brand with help from Nike and local sponsorships.
8. Kelsey Plum – Las Vegas Aces
Estimated Earnings: $650,000
Plum’s clutch play and social media presence make her a valuable marketing partner. Expect her endorsement deals to continue rising.
9. Skylar Diggins-Smith – Seattle Storm
Estimated Earnings: $640,000
A veteran with star power, Skylar’s off-court portfolio includes Puma and major nonprofit partnerships.
10. Alyssa Thomas – Connecticut Sun
Estimated Earnings: $620,000
The engine behind the Sun, Thomas has earned her spot on this list with gritty performances and community involvement deals.
WNBA Salaries vs. NBA Salaries: The Ongoing Comparison
Why the Gap Still Exists
It’s no secret—NBA players earn 10 to 100 times more. But that’s largely because of longer seasons, massive TV deals, and a head start of several decades.
Progress Being Made
With growing sponsorships, media rights, and league investment, WNBA salaries are trending up—fast.
How Fans Can Help Shift the Culture
Watch games, buy jerseys, support brands that invest in women’s sports. Your dollars have power.
The Role of Endorsements in WNBA Income
For many players, endorsements now rival their salaries.
Nike, Puma, Adidas, and More
Sabrina Ionescu has her own Nike shoe. Breanna Stewart signed with Puma. Angel Reese recently inked deals with Reebok and Beats.
Social Media Partnerships
Instagram and TikTok are goldmines for WNBA players. Personal brands bring influencer-level income.
College-Era NIL Carryover
Players like Clark and Reese came into the league already established as brand icons, which is rare in the WNBA.
Top Endorsement Deals Among WNBA Stars in 2025
Sabrina Ionescu x Nike
The signature shoe, ad campaigns, and Olympic appearances put her among the elite earners.
Caitlin Clark’s Emerging Portfolio
While she’s a rookie, Clark already has deals with Nike, State Farm, Gatorade, and more—expect her to be a top earner by 2026.
A’ja Wilson’s Long-Term Partnerships
With AT&T, Nike, and local Vegas sponsors backing her, A’ja is building generational wealth.
Rookies on the Rise: Who Could Crack the List Next Year?
Caitlin Clark – Indiana Fever
Already a superstar. Her endorsements may surpass her salary 5x.
Angel Reese – Chicago Sky
Fashion, fitness, and media deals make her a marketing juggernaut.
Cameron Brink – LA Sparks
Quietly climbing the ranks with strong play and rising brand recognition.
The Impact of International Play on Earnings
Why Many WNBA Stars Play Overseas
Some countries pay WNBA stars more than their U.S. salaries. Russia, Turkey, and China have led the charge.
Top Countries for WNBA Players
Turkey, Spain, and Australia are popular due to safety, money, and schedule.
Risks vs. Rewards of Global Contracts
The pay is great, but the wear and tear is real. Plus, geopolitical concerns have made overseas play more complicated in recent years.
CBA Updates: What’s Next for WNBA Player Salaries?
Potential Salary Cap Increases
The salary cap could increase again by 2026, especially if league revenue continues to rise.
Revenue Sharing Evolution
As of now, players receive a share of league revenue—but pushing that higher is a top priority in the next round of negotiations.
Travel and Facilities Upgrades
Better charter flights and upgraded locker rooms are part of ongoing efforts to match NBA standards.
Final Thoughts: Why WNBA Players Deserve Every Dollar
The highest paid WNBA players in 2025 are more than just athletes—they’re leaders, role models, and entrepreneurs. They represent the evolution of women’s sports and the growing financial respect it deserves. The league still has work to do, but the momentum is undeniable. As fans, our support can help elevate their income—and their legacy—even more.
FAQs
1. Who is the highest paid WNBA player in 2025?
A’ja Wilson leads the list with estimated earnings over $1.1 million from salary and endorsements.
2. How much do WNBA players make in endorsements?
Top stars can earn $500K–$1M annually from brand deals alone.
3. Do WNBA players make more overseas?
Yes, many can earn 2–3x their WNBA salaries playing abroad during the offseason.
4. Will WNBA salaries increase in the future?
Absolutely. With growing viewership and sponsor interest, the ceiling is rising.
5. How can I support WNBA player earnings?
Buy merch, watch games, attend live events, and support brands that invest in the WNBA.
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