WNBA players are underpaid. That needs to change.

The average salary for a WNBA player is about $110K. For NBA players, it’s about $10mil. Let that sink in.
We can all make up a number for how much we think a basketball star should make or shouldn’t make. It’s really subjective. I can at least say, a basketball player, with their face on stadium banners, on national television, names on a jersey, should probably make more than what I make as a content creator ($125,000). But on average, they aren’t.
In the WNBA and NBA, salaries are very transparent. You can look up any player and find out exactly how much they make. I did, and I found the numbers shockingly low. I did a deep dive into the collective bargaining agreements and talked to a few experts, including sports economist and professor David Berri of Southern Utah University, and attorney at law (and former college basketball player) Lerae Ettinae about how the mechanics of pay work within the women’s basketball league. I also learned from Robyn Parks, of the Chicago Sky, about playing overseas to supplement their income and how she thinks the league should be paid (spoiler: same revenue split as the NBA, 50/50). It all comes down to the revenue split. Watch and learn what I did about pay within the WNBA.
Produced by Hannah Williams, Andy Robinson
Editing by Andy Robinson
About Us:
💚 At Salary Transparent Street, we ask strangers around the country "What do you do? How much do you make?" to normalize conversations surrounding pay and money. 🎤 Created by Hannah Williams in April 2022 after finding out she was underpaid, our mission is to promote pay transparency to ensure workers, especially women, minorities, workers with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community, are fairly paid.
Links:
🤔 Need help determining your market rate?
Download our free Market Research Guide: view.flodesk.c...
🤑 Explore over 5,000+ individually reported salaries in our Salary Database: www.salarytran...
🗞️Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for news updates, professional deep dives, learning opportunities, and more: salarytranspar...
▶️ Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, KZbin, and LinkedIn for daily interviews!
TikTok: / salarytransparentstreet
Instagram: / salarytransparentstreet
Facebook: / salarytransparentstreet
LinkedIn: / salarytransparentstreet
Copyright © 2023 Salary Transparent Street. All rights reserved.
#WNBA #SalaryTransparency #BasketballPay

[@brandonguz]

The WNBA can’t afford to do a 50% revenue split. 50% of the NBA’s massive revenue is enough to pay for all the operating costs, but 50% of the WNBA’s revenue wouldn’t keep the lights on. The NBA would just have to subsidize the W even more than they already do if they got a 50% split. And comparing to old NBA numbers is not apples to apples with today’s WNBA. In the 70s, NBA teams were playing in convention centers or even arenas built pre-war, and had none of the modern revenue streams like TV, merch sales, etc. I’d love to see the WNBA grow organically but paying the players before they have actually made the money is not wise and is the reason a lot of women’s leagues collapse.

[@Bowhuntertexas]

Feminists have no time for facts and logic. Try again but use feeeellllllingssss.

[@UzitheSaint]

They do not make enough or put enough people in seats, don’t sell enough merchandise , if it doesn’t generate revenue then they aren’t going to make the money nba players make. The nba has essentially been paying them because they’ve never really made profit themselves. They have to find a way to make the game more exciting honestly and doing a 50% split isn’t going to help either in their situation

[@nabilkhan8825]

facts

[@kjartemis]

Now now, don't come in here and ruin the mood lol

[@idontcreatecontent741]

The 50/50 split situation isn't feasible. There's a big reason why a company earning $500,000,000 versus $100,000 is (and should be) taxed differently. There is a reason the NBA can subsidize the WNBA. The only way to increase salaries for these players is by supporting the WNBA, by watching it, buying tickets, and buying merchandise.

[@wisethabrain1100]

U do realize they are over paid! Technically they owe money

[@thereaperweare7345]

"The average salary for a WNBA player is about $110K." The average profit of the WNBA is less than 0 so they should pay the league to play in it.

[@SalaryTransparentStreet]

If you believe that, then the same would have to apply for the NBA’s G-league, which is also not profitable.

[@mazx19]

​​​@@SalaryTransparentStreetThe G League serves as the NBA's official minor league, focusing on developing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA, while also acting as the league's research and development laboratory. This developmental and supportive role suggests that the league's primary goal is not necessarily direct profitability but rather to foster talent and innovation for the NBA. In contrast the WNBA provides nothing...

[@carlsanders7824]

@@SalaryTransparentStreet No, because the G league contributes to the profit of the main league. They add value so they are rewarded. You really should learn basic free market principles.

[@craigreeves5465]

That literally means that any company that operates at a loss shouldn't pay their employees. There are plenty of companies that operate at a loss, especially startups.

[@JW-yk1of]

​@@SalaryTransparentStreetSo where's your video about them being underpaid? Pretty sure they make even less.

[@Bectka]

The only reason athletes are highly paid is that they bring in a lot of money. There's no moral imperative to pay a player like royalty. If a player/team/sport brings in no money, it's completely asinine to act like you're entitled to handouts. Instead of whining that WNBA players are making tens of millions of dollars, why don't you direct your attention at the women who have no interest in the sport. With their support, the league would stand a chance of making money, and with that would come the imperative for a team to have the best players, thereby driving up their salaries.

[@mazx19]

I would love to see a follow-up video where you address some of the valid critiques in the comment section...like if the WNBA doesn't turn a profit and has never turned one in its history why should they be paid more?

[@vickyferribeats]

the real question is, why they still run WNBA when they dont make any money, only players get paid and demands more. They see profit in the future, thats why WNBA is still alive, but players need to make more money before demanding raise.

[@StudyTime-i5u]

She wont

[@StudyTime-i5u]

​@@vickyferribeatspolitics

[@whywhywhy19]

I actuallly like your channel. But with this video you just come across as one of the feminist fighting for higher salaries when it’s already been reflected that the WNBA players are paid more than they deserve in terms of viewerships and sponsors. I’m unsubscribing

[@SalaryTransparentStreet]

Bye 👋💚

[@KyrieKarena]

You really don't get it.

[@torrinmedia3998]

WNBA does not generate anywhere near as much revenue as the NBA. So obviously they do not deserve to make as much money as NBA players. THEY ARE NOT UNDERPAID. Y'all clearly don't understand how basic economics work.

[@SalaryTransparentStreet]

Yikes didn’t even watch the video but confidently commented this. That’s embarrassing

[@Kingnews256]

@@SalaryTransparentStreet Hannah your great and 99% of your videos are great except this one. You clearly comparing nba players salary to wnba player salaries as a way to advocate for equal or more pay for wnba players. 113 k is suffice for wnba players because they are technically semi pro athletes aside from 3-4 players the others athletic ability doesn’t even compare to a average nba role player. There shouldn’t even be a comparison it’s simple they don’t generate nearly as much revenue as other leagues so they are paid relevant to that. Most of their views come from nba marketing because of the big powerhouse they are. They should be grateful to the nba that their boring league even exists.exhibition boxing matches generate more revenue and views than the recent wnba finals so the salary they currently get speaks for itself.

[@SalaryTransparentStreet]

It's really bizarre that you have such a strong opinion but didn't even bother to watch the video either. I'll give you the short version: WNBA players AREN'T asking to make the same as NBA players (you would know this if you watched the video). They're asking for an equal contract. Watch the video then come back with a data-backed, valid argument, not a woman-hating perspective as your opinion clearly demonstrates.

[@Jstolenn]

@@SalaryTransparentStreetdamn whoever negotiated that contract should be as smart as you

[@Kingnews256]

@@SalaryTransparentStreet stop with the baseless attacks , women hating lol this has nothing to do with gender it just statistics . Look at the stats you have a data background look at the revenue nba generates compared to wnba or the men’s fifa World Cup compared to the women’s World Cup. If lot of people don’t watch your product you not going to generate revenue and get paid similar to the ones who generate and provide the product people want to see.

[@jot5445]

Why is it even a question ? Ask yourself, if you are a basketball fan, would you want to pay to watch someone(either man or woman)miss a wide open layup or can barely dunk the ball lol? 😂 😂😂

[@SalaryTransparentStreet]

The point you tried to make actually just exposed you as a sexist, not a basketball fan. Do better 🫶

[@evacody1249]

​@@SalaryTransparentStreet🤦‍♂️

[@SalaryTransparentStreet]

You too 💚

[@amapparatistkwabena]

Fill an arena: make more money.

[@SalaryTransparentStreet]

Like these 3? aces.wnba.com/news/game-one-of-the-2023-wnba-finals-is-sold-out/ Or the first WNBA game ever in Canada? www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Weekend-Rap/2023/05/14/wnba-canada.aspx Or the 12th sell out by the Atlanta Dream? dream.wnba.com/news/league-leading-12th-sell-out-of-the-2023-season/ You have no clue what you’re talking about.

[@siunami6432]

​@SalaryTransparentStreet wow, really...12 games out of 40, vs the NY Knicks who sell out all 82 games. Even if they sold out all 40 games, everyone knows 82 > 40. The WNBA needs more fans. Listen, the NBA started in 1946, WNBA 1997... in 1946, average salary was $4000-$5000. In 1997, it was $2.74 million. Today $9.7 million...That's after 50 years of branding, marketing, growth for the NBA. For the WNBA in 1997, the average salary was $10,000. By 2000 it was about $50k. Today, $120k. So average salaries have been increasing, despite the drop in attendance. Before you label me a woman hater, know this, i went to UConn, played in the women's pep band, took classes with Diana Taurasi, still follow Geno and the UConn women's teams, a big fan of the NY Liberty. The difference is, I understand the economics of the leagues. The WNBA plays with a smaller ball, the 3 point line is closer, they play less games, they have less endorsements and less teams. You just cannot deny that the current (this can change) WNBA is just an inferior product to the NBA.

[@carlsanders7824]

I think they should be paid a fair cut of the revenue they generate. Since they LOSE money EVERY year, the only fair thing would be to present each of them with a bill due at the end of each season.

[@SalaryTransparentStreet]

The Brooklyn Nets lost $34 million in 2022, and other men’s teams have had losing years as well. Bet your opinion changes and you have an excuse as to why your argument wouldn’t apply to them.

[@siunami6432]

@@SalaryTransparentStreet because the other men's teams subsidize the weaker teams, including the WNBA

[@siunami6432]

@@SalaryTransparentStreet I'm going to repeat what I said here, feel free to delete my comment again. THE OTHER NBA TEAMS make enough to cover the lesser teams like the Nets. NONE of the WNBA teams generate enough revenue to cover themselves let alone other WNBA teams....Without the NBA, the WNBA wouldn't exist.

[@Tar9p]

​@@SalaryTransparentStreet ed-d-it

[@Watchlover371]

More shocked she makes 125k doing these videos - world gone mad!!!

[@omgDavidGlasper]

Right? I think its with all of her platforms, but still thats amazing.

[@WontonSlim]

⁠the discrepancy isnt about REVENUE it’s about PROFIT. The NBA profits soooo much they can get a revenue cut. Of course the wnba makes a revenue but the wnba has a NEGATIVE NET Profit.

[@carlsanders7824]

"Women failed the NBA"----Bill Burr

[@MashiroRedo]

Good points but WNBA needs to share its operation cost too. There’s the CEO, refs, concession workers, rent etc eating into the profits. 100M isn’t a lot looking at the size of teams and operation cost.

[@frankenpoopypants2346]

Either your not that smart, or you’re just saying this to troll

[@SalaryTransparentStreet]

Right back at ya 😉

[@davidsaito4519]

Revenue and profit are different. If the WNBA isn’t making profit the players shouldn’t make more. It’s still a job and if they don’t think they make their worth, find another job.

[@DrKniz]

If the sport doesn't earn enough revenue then the players won't cant paid more. Fewer people watch the wnba.

[@vickyferribeats]

WNBA is not profitable! How you want more money from your boss when your boss dont make any. Blame people that dont buy your jersey and dont watch your games. If you want more money, cut the expenses, play in the smaller arenas with less employees etc..

[@askii9]

With all due respect, even the numbers and sources you suggest only compare YoY growth of women’s sports. If my salary was $1 last year and I made $3 this year, I made a whopping 200% growth. Is that a lot of growth? yeah, but is that enough to buy me a Porsche? No.

[@moneymakingsim4314]

WERE IS THE PROFIT NUMBERS THOUGH?!?!?!?!?! WHY IS NO ONE TALKING ABOUT THAT?!?!!? This is stupid.

[@spencerclark399]

Don’t undersell yourself. You are a bigger household name than almost all WNBA players. They are slightly overpaid by that analysis. Also, revenue is different than what the WNBA makes. They lose money and are heavily subsidized by the men’s game. Are you heavily subsidized to make your content? Probably not. So you are worth more. But if you lose viewers and are not profitable, you will get a pay cut. The WNBA constitutes a public service or good will effort by the NBA, not a profitable business.

[@Michael-nz3lm]

Can’t compare these 2 like bmw versus Toyota

[@MsCwebb]

Chicks are funny. Basic logic and math is not their strong point lol.

[@SalaryTransparentStreet]

Apparently not yours either. The numbers are in the video if you need reference 💚

[@HomeinHI]

Not all of the relevant numbers

[@MemoryPallace]

Lol no logic behind this video

[@givemefivetv8435]

they are OVERPAID.

[@proudtobehere]

They are paid exactly what they deserve... you made a million dollar this year.. give them some

[@SalaryTransparentStreet]

It’s called having season tickets, try it some time 🫶

[@FirstLast-rd6hw]

If this girl could do or understand math, she would realize the women are actually extremely overpaid. About 36x more than what they are worth.

[@avoerman89]

Paging Bill Burr

[@terryr7622]

The WNBA needs more women to support it

[@CC-ke2bn]

You get more views though. That’s the difference. I respect what you’re trying to do, but the WNBA has to get more popular - just like a social media page/channel.

[@ridavis5088]

Should they make more than me? I am a federal wildland firefighter that worked 500+ hours of overtime a year and has 10 years experience. I make about 75k a year with my ot.

[@randallyoung9191]

They are lucky enough play, businesses who don't generate money for over 25 years usually go bankrupt. They're losing money every year, so where is the money to pay them money come from?

[@DeRocco21]

the cap is 1.3 million per team divided by 12 that is 108,333 per player, but idk if thats fair, but the question is you are splitting the revenue 50/50 before or after expenses? i think operating costs are 70 mil, and revenue is 60 mil, with sal cap x 144 that is 15,600,000. what is thier last CBA?

[@djspell2928]

If they have a collective bargaining agreement that was ratified and passed by the players, can they truly be "underpaid"? Great video, but until enough of the players join together and demand better conditions of their contract this cycle will only increase. I'm not sure if the current WNBA players have enough cultural caché to win a successful lockout-type negotiation, but I'd love to be wrong about that. 🤷

[@alehax27]

NBA games bring in more money. Same for female soccer

[@georgetolofari5246]

Congress needs to do the same thing in the wnba so we can have clarity because they could still be making a loss.

[@really9238]

I’m sorry but this is completely naive analysis. It’s based on revenue. It’s not about “it’s on tv”. Until you analyze the numbers, you will see that the players are paid a higher percentage.

[@georgetolofari5246]

Comparing the 1950s and 2020s is weird to me. The reach the wnba has due to the internet is atleast 25x

[@rdrd9676]

do women basketball players make more then pro tether ball players or some one on a roller derby team?

[@ThePhenom72586]

This girl barely put any effort in looking at this logically or subjectively

[@ThePhenom72586]

No one wants to watch. Hence no one can get paid

[@HomeinHI]

What are the profits? Revenue split gives an incomplete picture, if operating costs are not considered.

[@josephangelle8386]

I think the ask should be different. Asking for “a deserved pay increase” brings up the opportunity for debate. Instead, I believe asking for an increased investment in the league, primarily the financial well being of its athletes, is a far better conversation. This removes the immediate and past economics, and focuses on the possibility for future growth and development. Optimism vs Economics

[@milothemalinoismethod]

Revenue and profit are different. It's ridiculous to compare businesses w similar expenses minus the players and one makes infinite more and expect the same revenue split. How do they give more while losing. The nba pays so owners don't quit

[@DeRocco21]

plus 113k is before factoring in fringe benefits, and NIL deals

[@dmitrykim3096]

This professor is so not trustworthy, first he randomly estimated revenue of 60 million, now he is trying to estimate the profits, what makes you think his calculations are correct now. Also he is making some allegations about how wnba tries to mislead the players that they are not profitable. Also in Russia even male sports is not that profitable and heavily subsidized so its basically charity. So you basically want WNBa to subsidize players even more from NBA budgets, cool economy

[@NicksDynasty]

Talk about Flight Attendants not getting paid for being at the airport before and in between flights and not getting paid for boarding

[@ThePhenom72586]

This is sad lol my 15 year old daughter can crush this entire argument. Ignorance at its finest

[@raphymartinez]

It’s a simple economics dilema. I don’t think anyone wants WNBA players to get paid less. They should be paid at the same percentage level that NBA players do based off of the revenue they each generate.

[@JaysonMarrRodriguez-zf5pb]

Wnba lol

[@ANBUxDTAE1]

So they signed an ass contract collectively together. Refuse to make any changes to the game to make it more entertaining to casual. Watching your video has changed my perspective that it is unfair. But imagine someone going into a job they knowing it is low paying and then complaining about it being a low paying job. Then complaining about having to get a second job. Guess what there are people have to get two jobs when the main one isn’t paying enough yea it sucks but that’s life. Even if the split it 50/50 they still won’t be making much more. Because the revenue is not where it’s supposed to be. And from that cumulative revenue target it seems they are in debt because it compounds over to next year. They signed a bad contract and are now upset about it. Like they have no to blame it themselves. Same situation with the nba 65 minimum to get end of year awards they signed off on it and are now calling it stupid but agreed to it. I think everyone who speaks on this should watch this vid. To be educated. The league doesn’t operate in the red the players do (by not meeting the cumulative revenue target). I say that because if that full 20% isn’t covered it rolls over. The outrage at men doesn’t make any sense when men (not me) are your biggest supporters. They need to be made at themselves for signing that shit contract, the feminist who will shout from the rooftops about inequality in pay. But yet won’t buy a jersey, ticket, or even put it on tv. Won’t even make an effort to find out where and how to watch the game. Men support men’s league why don’t women? Women wanted their own league got it and don’t even support it. At the end of the day it’s entertainment if the masses don’t find it entertaining it won’t change. Hopefully for their sake CC’s hype won’t fizzle out. They also have so many things to compete with football baseball hockey. At some point they have to look in the mirror and see they took this low ball ass deal of their own volition and weren’t forced into it. Great educational video though. It changed my perspective from they aren’t making money to they got into a fucked up deal and are suffering for it.

[@omgDavidGlasper]

125k with only 172k subs? You are adding in all platforms, right?

[@jessem7556]

PiNG PONG.......lower rims 6 inches, 8 min quarters, 23 games season (salute to Jordan), 2 minute overtime, 😎😎 3 game playoff series.

[@DarrenC53]

You should donate the profits from this video to the players

[@josawajulius4104]

I think they should get paid less same percentages

[@gwf1213]

interesting that you have a seattle sonics backpack on your door. where is your WNBA swag.

[@SalaryTransparentStreet]

That’s all you’ve got?

[@milothemalinoismethod]

Consider your salary and other creators?? Should you make less bc you aren't as good or do you deserve what the market paid you?

[@D.dot.]

Wow, there are a lot of unnecessary negative comments on this topic.

[@rogueone7965]

It will change only by a political decision. There is no any economical reason. Basketball fans prefer to watch even NCAA way more than WNBA. I believe they train hard, maybe even harder than men, though their matches are not attractive to watch. Period. When WNBA somehow manage to change it one day, their salaries will jump quickly.

[@MashiroRedo]

Given the profits the WNBA makes, how much would you pay each player?

[@guypuglia3375]

Is the WNBA subsidized by the NBA? Do they pay overhead ( rents, staff or travel) if they do then they deserve the 50/50 split. Also look at the jump the NBA took in their year by year salary. And 1500 a month is what I make that’s 100,000 that’s not bad. To play a game

[@mattmckenrick]

Are you a season-ticket holder?

[@SalaryTransparentStreet]

Yes and?

[@mattmckenrick]

@@SalaryTransparentStreet Very good that’s a good first step.

[@SalaryTransparentStreet]

Are you? This commentary is bizarre.

[@Sabbath78]

Really informative video, great to see the raw numbers! Hope the WNBA players can negotiate a better CBA in the future!

[@StudyTime-i5u]

Wrong

[@stevehopkins7665]

BOREING!!!!

[@NoLuvCity]

u guys are so biased look at the business viewpoint

[@elitereviews7336]

lol

[@KarlMalowned32]

As a big WNBA fan(and NBA…basketball in general), I’m disappointed in Adam Silver’s “losing 10 million” comments because that created a reason not to support the WNBA and stunted league growth and popularity. I really think the WNBA will turn the corner in the next few years. In 2024 or 2025, the WNBA will see multiple GENERATIONAL talents enter the league at once (Clark, Bueckers, Reese, Van Lith, Brink, Fudd, etc.) You make some excellent points. There is no reason why international teams pay significantly more than here in the US. If they want them to prioritize, pay them instead of forcing the issue. First thing I want to see, is for Silver to walk back the 10 million comments. That will at least make it so the WNBA isn’t immediately dismissed by the casual fan. STS!! Great video.

[@SalaryTransparentStreet]

Completely agree! Thanks so much for the thoughtful perspective and comment! 💚

[@SalaryTransparentStreet]

Ewwwww misogynist living in his own bubble on aisle 3! 🚩🚩🚩

[@Jweezyization]

Great video, you should do more investigative work like this. Awesome job!

[@SalaryTransparentStreet]

Really appreciate that! Thank you! 💚

[@Passion84GodAlways]

I've been saying this for YEARS! I'm looking forward to watching and learning from you video! THANK YOU! 😃

[@SalaryTransparentStreet]

Thank you!! 💚

[@drumph6121]

I thought this was a great video! It sounds like the major issue is that that nba has always given their players better revenue splits than the wnba has. Do you think the profitability would have any affect on your perspective on this? For instance, if it turns out the nba has always been profitable and the wnba has never been profitable, does the revenue split difference still seem as big an issue or is it about more than that? And maybe even asking about profitability is missing the forest for the trees but I'm just trying to understand the perspective of people who argue for more pay for the WNBA a bit better. Also side note, I would love to hear your thoughts on the US women's soccer team as well if you haven't already done a video on that.

[@lotto5742]

Only 100k? An in-N-Out manager makes more than that. Heck, thats how much a McDonalds manager make.

[@evacody1249]

Then maybe the WNBA can turn a profit.

[@omgDavidGlasper]

LOL I call. Where in the world would a fast manager make 100k? Maybe the district manager.

[@faithbasedfitness6512]

Hannah, GREAT Piece!!... I've been a WNBA fan since the first game when the Sparks lost to the Liberty back in 97, but i'm a realist and clicked on this video ready to make the same old argument "WNBA makes less than the NBA that's why they get paid less" While I still think there are other factors at play that push the WNBA salaries down you did a great job of revealing another side of this age old debate. This was awesome and I'd love to see you do more pieces like this!

[@SalaryTransparentStreet]

Thank you so much for the feedback! Glad you enjoyed it 💚

[@mannycampos101195]

Great video Hannah! I think you have a great way of storytelling that is captivating and shines a light on important topics. Keep it up!

[@SalaryTransparentStreet]

Thank you so much! 💚

[@Jojo.255]

how many wnba games u go to yearly? just wondering@@SalaryTransparentStreet

[@patrickkersey3194]

Great Video!

[@SalaryTransparentStreet]

Thanks! 💚

[@peterdavulis9851]

Great video. My hope for the next CBA is year long health insurance. If a player is cut they get 7 days of insurance. Last year the Lynx said Layshia Clarendon wasn't healthy enough so she was cut, no insurance, no team doctors or trainers. If you are injured on the job, you should be taken care of. Skylar was locked out of team facilities so had to hire her own trainer and court space. The pay is not enough but I really hope every player can leave the league without medical bills and debt.

[@SalaryTransparentStreet]

Great point! Definitely not good enough.

[@StudyTime-i5u]

@@SalaryTransparentStreet could you please do your interviews In Ohio? Im moving there from a 3rd world country but I have option to move to Cincinnati or Washington or Florida

[@FolkloreChronicles1]

Please do For data Analyst

[@Jstolenn]

Lol