The Gender Pay Gap in the WNBA: What the 2024 Draft Revealed

The recent WNBA draft has sparked a conversation about the gender pay gap in professional basketball. With the average WNBA player earning $113,295 compared to the average NBA player’s $9.7 million, the stark difference in salaries has left many shocked and outraged.

One of the draft’s top picks, Angel Reese, has been vocal about the pay gap and her concerns about the league. Despite amassing $1.6 million in NIL deals during her college career, Reese is projected to earn about $73,000/year in the WNBA. This has led many players to seek opportunities overseas where salaries are higher.

Women’s career coach Sharon Rose Hayward points out that the pay gap in sports reflects the larger issue of gender inequality in society. She encourages women to assert their worth and seek opportunities to supplement their income.

As the WNBA’s market value continues to grow, there is hope that player salaries will increase as well. With media rights deals worth $60 million per year and growing viewership, the league is poised for growth.

The conversation around the WNBA pay gap serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality in sports and beyond. It is a call to action for all women to know their worth and demand equal pay for equal work.