The 2024 WNBA season has been groundbreaking on many levels, from rising television ratings to packed arenas and unprecedented sponsorship deals. At the center of this transformation is the financial conversation that has long surrounded the league.

For decades, players and advocates have pushed for better pay equity, improved revenue sharing, and a brighter spotlight on the stars who have carried the WNBA through growth and turbulence. Now, as the highest-paid players of 2024 are revealed, fans and analysts alike are taking stock of just how far the league has come—and how far it still needs to go.

Salaries in the WNBA have historically been a point of contention. Even as the league has gained traction, its maximum base salaries have remained significantly lower than their NBA counterparts. However, the implementation of the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) introduced higher maximums, better maternity benefits, improved travel standards, and greater revenue-sharing opportunities.

By 2024, we are seeing the ripple effect of these changes. The top-earning players aren’t just pulling in strong salaries from their WNBA contracts; they’re leveraging endorsements, shoe deals, and international play into multimillion-dollar annual incomes that rival those of athletes in other major women’s sports.

One of the names consistently at the top of the earnings chart is A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces. A two-time MVP and multiple-time champion, Wilson has parlayed her dominance on the court into national recognition.

While her base salary remains capped at the WNBA’s maximum, her Nike endorsement deal and various sponsorships, including Gatorade and Wilson Sporting Goods, have positioned her as a multimillion-dollar athlete. In 2024, estimates place her total annual earnings at well over $3 million, making her one of the most financially successful stars in league history.

Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty is another standout in the financial race. Long recognized as one of the league’s best all-around players, Stewart has built a brand that transcends basketball.

Her Puma signature shoe deal was a major breakthrough for women’s basketball footwear, and in 2024, she continues to reap the benefits of endorsements with major corporations. Stewart’s relocation to New York has amplified her visibility, and with Madison Square Garden drawing big crowds for Liberty games, her financial value has surged alongside her on-court dominance. Stewart’s estimated income this year is projected to rival Wilson’s, further cementing her as a household name and cornerstone for the league’s future.

Caitlin Clark, despite only being in her rookie season, has already altered the financial landscape of women’s basketball in ways no one could have predicted just a few years ago. Her entry into the WNBA with the Indiana Fever brought unprecedented attention, leading to sold-out arenas, historic television ratings, and massive demand for merchandise. While her rookie contract is modest compared to veteran superstars, Clark’s endorsement portfolio is massive.

With a Nike signature shoe deal, partnerships with major brands like State Farm and Gatorade, and an aura of being the new face of the WNBA, Clark is projected to earn more than $5 million in endorsements alone in 2024. This figure makes her not just one of the highest-paid players in the WNBA, but one of the most marketable athletes across all of women’s sports globally.

Another player whose financial star continues to rise is Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty. As one of the league’s most recognizable names, Ionescu’s sharp shooting, triple-doubles, and magnetic personality have made her a prime candidate for endorsements.

Her Nike deal, which includes her own sneaker line, has gained traction among both WNBA fans and casual basketball consumers. Playing in New York has only amplified her visibility, and in 2024, she ranks among the top earners in the league, with endorsements nearly doubling her playing salary.

Candace Parker, though in the twilight of her career, remains an influential figure both on and off the court. Her broadcasting role with Turner Sports, combined with endorsement deals, ensures that her income remains competitive with the league’s younger stars.

While Parker may no longer be the highest-paid active player on court, her post-playing career has already blossomed into a lucrative empire. She serves as a reminder of how WNBA players can transition into media and business ventures while still influencing the league’s financial culture.

International play also continues to play a role in WNBA player earnings. For years, athletes like Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner played overseas during the offseason to supplement their WNBA income.

While the league and its players have made strides to minimize reliance on international contracts, some stars still take advantage of lucrative opportunities abroad. European and Asian teams often pay players salaries that dwarf what they make stateside, and even with the WNBA’s growing pay structure, overseas basketball remains an option for players looking to maximize income.

What makes 2024 particularly special is that endorsements, not overseas play, are becoming the primary financial booster for top stars. Caitlin Clark’s influence has opened doors for more endorsement visibility across the board.

Fans are seeing Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers (expected to enter the league soon), and other rising stars receive major deals even before they’ve played a professional game. This cultural shift is significant. Rather than having to rely solely on international contracts, WNBA stars are beginning to harness their marketability in the United States, bridging the financial gap with NBA stars and athletes in other sports.

At the same time, the earnings report sparks renewed discussion about the league’s middle-class players—those who don’t receive maximum contracts or major endorsement deals. While the top stars are flourishing financially, many talented contributors still earn modest salaries compared to the workload and travel demands of a WNBA season.

Analysts argue that the league’s long-term financial sustainability must also prioritize raising the floor for average players, not just elevating the ceiling for superstars.

The spotlight on top earners also reignites the debate about gender pay equity in sports. While WNBA stars are making significant strides, their earnings still pale in comparison to NBA athletes.

The highest-paid WNBA salaries hover around $240,000 in base pay, while NBA role players often earn tens of millions. Advocates argue that as revenue continues to rise and fans pour into arenas, the league has a responsibility to continue renegotiating contracts, improving revenue-sharing agreements, and creating a system where financial success is not limited to a handful of superstars.

Looking forward, the 2024 list of highest-paid players is not just a reflection of individual success stories but also a symbol of the WNBA’s growing influence in the sports industry.

A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu, and others are proving that women’s basketball has both the talent and marketability to drive significant financial gains. With continued investment, improved broadcasting deals, and expanded fan engagement, the league’s financial future looks brighter than ever.

The rise of top earners in 2024 should be celebrated, but it should also serve as a rallying point for further progress. The league must ensure that as it expands and grows, financial opportunities reach every corner of the roster. Players are no longer just athletes; they are entrepreneurs, influencers, and cultural icons. The WNBA’s financial revolution is underway, and the stars leading the way in 2024 are writing the blueprint for generations to come.