Is the Ball In Her Court?: WNBA Players Consider Strike Over Salary and Equity Issues

Las Vegas Aces’ (Center) A’ja Wilson against Indiana Fever’s (Guard) Caitlin Clark. (Courtesy/ Darron Cummings/AP)

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is facing potential interference as players consider a strike following what is said to be the league’s “most successful season”. 

The WNBA Players Association recently opted out of its collective bargaining agreement (CBA), over frustrations about salaries, benefits and equity compared to the National Basketball Association (NBA).  

The main focus of the issue is the pay disparity. WNBA players are being paid significantly less than their male counterparts in the NBA. The maximum base salary for a WNBA player is about $150,000 while NBA players are earning about $10 million per season. 

Chicago Sky forward, Angel Reese talked about her pay during her first season playing in the WNBA and how her pay doesn’t cover her expenses on Instagram Live.  

“The WNBA doesn’t pay my bills at all. I don’t even think it pays one of my bills. Literally, ” Reese said. 

Reese also emphasized that she not only gets paid through the WNBA but also has other avenues. 

“That check that I do get here is a bonus…Being able to play for what, four to five months, and get $75,000 on top of the other endorsements that I’m doing, I think it’s a plus for me, ” she said. 

Players are also arguing for a fair share of league revenue. NBA players receive about 50% of league revenue whereas WNBA players only receive 9.3% of revenue shares. 

They claim this inequity is ongoing despite a rise in viewership, attendance, sponsorship deals and an overall successful season. Do we have numbers on this

According to  ESPN, attendance is up 48% and viewership has increased by 155% from 2023.

The WNBA President weighed in on the players not receiving what their worth despite their contributions to the league. 

“Opting out isn’t just about bigger paychecks, ” Nneka Ogwumike said in a press release. ”It’s about claiming our rightful share of the business we’ve built, improving working conditions and securing a future where the success we create benefits today’s players and the generations to come.” 

The players’ demands include higher base salaries, improved travel accommodations, greater investment in marketing and increased transparency in league finances. While the 2020 CBA introduced some advancements—such as increased salaries, better maternity leave policies and bonuses—players believe the changes are not enough.   

As negotiations unfold, the possibility of a strike adds urgency to resolve these disputes. While such action could impact the upcoming season, players made it clear that achieving equity and securing the league’s future are their top priorities.