Ranking the Top 20 Highest-Paid WNBA Players in 2025

Overview

• The article discusses the salaries of top WNBA players in 2025.
• Highlights the ongoing disparity in player compensation within the WNBA versus other leagues.
• New league "Unrivaled" offers better paychecks, challenging WNBA's compensation structure.
• Focuses on whether notable players like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers rank among the highest earners.

Key Players and Salaries

Players Ranked 20 to 11

1. Teaira McCowan ($201,400)
   • Plays for the Dallas Wings.
   • Known for her veteran presence.
2. Kelsey Plum ($202,000)
   • Los Angeles Sparks player.
   • Recognized for unmatched experience.
3. DeArica Hamby ($202,000)
   • Plays for Los Angeles Sparks.
   • Veteran forward with engaging playstyle.
4. Myisha Hines-Allen ($203,000)
   • Represents Dallas Wings.
   • Anticipated future high salary for Paige Bueckers.
5. Kayla McBride ($205,000)
   • Minnesota Lynx's top player.
   • Known for shooting and game intelligence.
6. Sabrina Ionescu ($208,060)
   • Champion and three-point specialist.
7. Breanna Stewart ($208,400)
   • New York Liberty star.
   • Long-standing force in the league.
8. Marina Mabrey ($210,000)
   • Connecticut Sun's star player.
9. Napheesa Collier ($214,284)
   • MVP candidate, Minnesota Lynx.
10. Skylar Diggins-Smith ($214,466)
    • Vital to Seattle Storm's offense.

Players Ranked 10 to 1

1. Britney Griner ($214,466)
   • Plays for Atlanta Dream.
   • Veteran with commanding presence.
2. Brionna Jones ($214,466)
   • Shared salary with Griner.
   • Formerly with Connecticut Sun.
3. Natasha Howard ($214,666)
   • Indiana Fever's critical player.
4. Satou Sabally ($215,000)
   • Phoenix Mercury forward.
5. Alyssa Thomas ($215,000)
   • Phoenix Mercury's major asset.
6. Gabby Williams ($225,000)
   • Important for Seattle Storm's future.
7. Kahleah Copper ($248,134)
   • Key player for Phoenix Mercury.
8. Jewell Loyd ($249,032)
   • Superstar at Las Vegas Aces.
9. Arike Ogunbowale ($249,032)
   • Dallas Wings' scoring leader.
10. Kelsey Mitchell ($249,244)
    • Top earner, Indiana Fever star.

Notable Exclusions

• Paige Bueckers is not yet on the top 20 list.
• Caitlin Clark, despite high-profile status, does not appear.

Conclusion

• Salaries reflect both the experience and influence of players within the league.
• There remains a broad conversation about WNBA compensation relative to player value and market dynamics.

Article by Mike Hall