The top of the WNBA earnings chart in 2025 reveals a striking contrast to the NBA, underlining the ongoing pay gap between the two leagues. This year’s highest-paid WNBA player is Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces, earning $252,450—an impressive figure, yet still dwarfed by top NBA salaries.

Just behind Young is Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell, banking $249,244 for the season. Hot on her heels are Jewell Loyd and Arike Ogunbowale, both earning nearly $249,032, placing them firmly among the top earners in the league. Kahleah Copper of the Phoenix Mercury is also in elite company, earning $248,134 this year.

The elite tier continues with Gabby Williams of the Seattle Storm earning $225,000, and Phoenix’s dynamic duo—Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally—each bringing in $215,000. Natasha Howard of the Fever rounds out the top list with $214,666. Notable mentions also include Brionna Jones, Brittney Griner, and Skylar Diggins‑Smith, all earning around $214,466.

Despite these comparatively high salaries within the WNBA context, they pale alongside NBA figures. A report highlights that Jackie Young’s $252K top salary in 2025 starkly contrasts with NBA stars earning millions—highlighting the persistent disparity between the leagues.

Average player pay paints a telling picture. One source puts the WNBA’s average salary at just over $102,000, versus around $13 million in the NBA. Another calculates an average closer to $147,745—an increase, but still far from parity.

The rookie wage scale also reflects the financial gap. First-round picks—including Paige Bueckers—earn roughly $78,831 in their first year, while league minimum pay is just over $66,000. Paige Bueckers, selected No. 1 by the Dallas Wings, is set to earn $78,831 as a rookie. Caitlin Clark, last year’s draftee, is on a similar contract, although slightly lower—around $78,066.

These figures reflect a larger structural issue: WNBA players receive a far smaller share of basketball-related revenue—only about 10%—while NBA players get close to 50%. That disparity is fueling growing frustration among players, who are pushing hard in collective bargaining negotiations ahead of the 2026 CBA.

Off‐court income is another essential piece of the puzzle. Top stars—notably Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, A’ja Wilson—rely heavily on endorsement deals, Nike contracts, marketing agreements, and other income sources to bolster their earnings.

Angel Reese, a rising star with the Chicago Sky, emphasized that her WNBA salary—around $73,439—is insufficient to cover basic living costs, like her $8,000 monthly rent. She leaned on a $50,000 bonus from playing in the off‑season Unrivaled league to make ends meet .

League-wide, many players benefit from Player Marketing Agreements (PMAs) or Team Marketing Agreements (TMAs), which offer additional income based on performance or promotional activities. These programs help bridge part of the earnings gap, but for many, it’s still not enough.

Given the widening income disparity between the WNBA and NBA—and amid growing public support and commercial success—the league stands at a crossroads. Record viewership, merchandise growth, and a recent $2.2 billion media rights deal are boosting revenue, yet player compensation hasn’t kept pace.

As labor negotiations intensify, players are demanding a larger revenue share, better travel and maternity provisions, and improved working conditions overall.

The WNBA has stressed its commitment to growth and long-term solutions, but frustration among players is palpable—and the possibility of a strike or lockout looms if the new CBA isn’t finalized before the 2026 season.

The financial landscape of the WNBA in 2025 is one of contrasts: elite salaries steadily creeping upward, yet still overshadowed by broader market structures.

Players are carving their brands, securing off-court deals, and using rising league popularity as leverage to demand fair compensation. The question now isn’t just who earns the most—but whether the league’s future will finally close the divide and reward its players more equitably.