The Disparity in Earnings
The [2025 W.N.B.A. season](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/10/03/opinion/wnba-pay.html) is being hailed as a remarkable success, with more than three million fans attending games and a record-setting championship series on the horizon. Yet, amidst this historic growth, a critical issue looms: the players are not sharing equitably in the revenue pie. With contracts that barely scratch the surface of what players in the men's league earn, the question arises: why?
Contractual Inequities
As [Napheesa Collier](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cb1Gk79uYbw), vice president of the Women's National Basketball Players Association, pointed out, “The league believes it succeeds despite its players, not because of them.” This sentiment encapsulates the crux of the issue. While the N.B.A. allocates approximately 50% of its revenue to its players, W.N.B.A. players see a starkly different picture. Reports indicate that their share hovers below 10%, with recent estimates suggesting a drop to less than 7% this season.
“The players want to be paid like the men.”
This demand is underscored by the fact that while the N.B.A. earned 50 times more than the W.N.B.A., that shouldn't justify the disparity in player compensation.
The Players' Perspective
The current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), set to expire on October 31, is under intense scrutiny as players seek meaningful raises. Even as their average salaries have increased, the real number reveals a troubling trend: while wages went up from approximately $110,000 in 2021 to around $120,000 in 2025, the percentage of revenues shared with players has declined.
At the star level, the disparity is even sharper. W.N.B.A. superstars earn around $250,000, while their counterparts in the N.B.A. rake in sums that are two hundred times larger. This raises larger questions about value assignment, equity, and ethical sports management.
A Stark Comparison
Data suggests that not only are W.N.B.A. franchises' values soaring—such as the New York Liberty being valued at $450 million, up from a mere $15 million in 2019—but the players' salaries stagnate. The contrasting narratives showcased by the franchise values and player wage scales exemplify a distressing level of inequity. This injustice becomes significantly apparent when one considers how the N.B.A. managed to compensate players more equitably even when claiming financial woes.
Potential for Change
Much like the struggles seen in other sports, the path towards equitable pay for W.N.B.A. players reflects broader societal challenges regarding gender pay gaps. With significant public advocacy and historical precedent—think Billie Jean King and the U.S. Women's Soccer Team—there's hope that changes are around the corner.
The Road Ahead
As we move through this pivotal negotiation period, the stakes couldn't be higher. With the league's revenue projected to reach an astonishing $500 million by 2026, it's alarmingly clear that the players deserve a more substantial share of these profits.
Can this season's successes translate into tangible change for players on the ground? If history is a guide, now is the time for W.N.B.A. players to seize the moment and advocate for pay commensurate with their value to the league.
Top Players Deserving Fair Compensation
The question remains: what would a fair wage look like for the top players? By and large, estimated salaries aligning with a fair, equitable revenue-sharing model would see top players earning upwards of $3 million per year—substantially more than what many currently receive.
Conclusion
The fight against gender pay disparity in sports persists, but the tide may finally be turning for W.N.B.A. players. As they gear up for negotiations, it is crucial for the league—and for fans—to recognize that fair compensation is far more than just a number; it's a testament to the value of their sport and the athletes who elevate it.
Source reference: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/10/03/opinion/wnba-pay.html
