WNBA vs NBA pay gap: How the new CBA changes player salaries

The WNBA’s groundbreaking new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is set to transform the financial landscape of women’s basketball. For stars like Caitlin Clark, the deal represents a historic increase in earning potential, but how does it compare to the NBA?

For years, the gap between the two leagues has been one of the most discussed topics in sports. While the new deal won’t eliminate that difference overnight, it could mark the most significant step yet toward closing it.

Here’s a breakdown of WNBA vs NBA salaries, now and in the future.

WNBA salaries before the new CBA

Before this landmark deal, WNBA salaries were relatively modest:

• Average salary: around $120,000
• Maximum salary: about $250,000
• Rookie contracts: typically $70,000–$90,000 annually

That includes stars like Caitlin Clark, who is currently earning under $100,000 per year on her rookie deal with the Indiana Fever. Even the league’s biggest stars were far below seven figures.

NBA salaries right now

By comparison, NBA salaries operate on a completely different scale:

• Average salary: over $9 million per year
• Maximum salary: $50+ million annually
• Rookie contracts: often start at $10+ million per year for top picks

The current difference is stark. Superstars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry earn tens of millions annually in salary alone, not including endorsements. Top NBA players can earn 200x more than top WNBA players. Even NBA rookies often make more in one year than many WNBA players earn over an entire contract.

This gap has historically been driven by differences in league revenue, media rights deals, and overall market size.

How the new WNBA deal changes things

The newly finalized CBA, effective 2026, introduces several historic improvements:

• Average salary: around $600,000 (up from $120K)
• Supermax salary: $1.4 million (up from $250K)
• Minimum salary: above $300,000 (previously $70–90K)
• Team salary cap: $7 million (up from $1.5M)
• Revenue share: nearly 20%, tying pay directly to league success

A key change is that players’ salaries are now tied to league revenue, which means earnings will grow alongside the WNBA’s popularity and profitability. For Caitlin Clark, this could push her into the seven-figure range within a few seasons, cementing her status among the highest-paid athletes in the league.

The increase means that top WNBA players could earn five times more than before. Star players like Caitlin Clark could eventually earn seven figures annually. For the league, it’s a step toward retaining top talent, increasing global visibility, and building long-term financial sustainability. The NBA and WNBA are still operating on vastly different financial levels, but the gap is no longer static.

The new deal represents a major shift in how women’s basketball players are compensated. For stars like Clark, who have helped drive record TV ratings and attendance, it means their on-court earnings may finally begin to reflect their impact on the sport.

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