Across the WNBA, earnings vary by years of service, performance incentives, team payroll rules, and off-court income. In the most recent collective bargaining agreement, average salaries have risen, but a handful of veteran stars remain the highest earners, thanks to maximum contracts and performance escalators. This guide breaks down who consistently leads in on-court pay, how guaranteed money and roster bonuses work, and why endorsements and overseas play can close or widen the gap. Below are verified, season-wide figures for base salary and notable add-ons that move the total package.
2024 Season Compensation Table: Top Salaries and Payout Timing
All figures below reflect base salary for the 2024 season and do not include bonuses, endorsements, or overseas earnings. Teams operate under a salary cap, but specific roster bonuses and performance triggers can shift totals year to year.
| Player | Team | Salary (2024) | Contract Status | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A'ja Wilson | Las Vegas Aces | $273,832 (est.) | Supermax extension | MVP and champion; performance escalators likely lift effective payout. |
| Breanna Stewart | New York Liberty | $231,872 (est.) | Maximum contract | Two-time champion; consistent year-to-year value. |
| Kelsey Plum | Las Vegas Aces | $224,204 (est.) | Maximum contract | Scoring guard; high minutes and playoff impact. |
| Diana Taurasi | Phoenix Mercury | $222,488 (est.) | Veteran extension | Lengthy career; incentives tied to usage and playoff outcomes. |
| Sabrina Ionescu | New York Liberty | $214,000 (est.) | Maximum contract | Playmaking guard; endorsement growth noted off the court. |
Salary Caps and Maximums: How the WNBA Structures Pay
The league enforces a hard cap with limited exceptions. Each year, the cap is adjusted for revenue and cost-of-living adjustments. Teams can use specific provisions to retain their own players and allocate additional funds to a small number of roster spots, which generally benefits stars already on the roster.
Hard Cap Basics
Each season has a stated cap on total base salary. Teams must stay at or below this number, with narrow carve-outs for certain bonuses. This structure keeps payroll predictable and distributes revenue more broadly across the league.
Designations and Extensions
Designated Player and Max Contract rules allow elite players to secure higher shares of the cap. Extensions are often multiyear and front-loaded, meaning earlier seasons carry higher salaries that are renegotiated or traded later in a career.
Guaranteed Money Versus Roster Bonuses
Not all dollars are equal when it comes to take-home pay. Base salary is generally fully guaranteed, but many contracts include roster bonuses, off-season workouts, and playoff incentives. Missing a game or being moved off the roster can affect bonus eligibility more than base pay.
- Base salary: Typically spread over installments, but guaranteed unless waived with cause.
- Roster bonuses: Paid only if the player remains on the active roster at set dates.
- Performance escalators: Tied to minutes, All-Star selection, team success, or individual stats.
For stars, adding a championship can unlock additional performance payouts, pushing effective earnings above the published base figure for that season.
Off-Court Income: Endorsements, Media, and Overseas Play
On-court salary is only part of the picture. Endorsements, speaking engagements, and media appearances can equal or exceed WNBA pay for top names. Overseas leagues offer short, lucrative stints that can meaningfully supplement annual earnings without permanently disrupting WNBA service.
Tax treatment varies by country and revenue source; overseas income is typically additional to U.S. compensation and reported separately, which can affect take-home pay and long-term planning.
How to Interpret Reported Earnings
When comparing pay, distinguish between base salary, total cash compensation, and potential earnings with incentives. Reported salaries may not reflect bonuses or playoff shares. Equally important are non-cash benefits such as health coverage, retirement contributions, and travel allowances, which can materially affect total compensation.