The WNBA saw a huge increase in viewership with the addition of Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, and Rickea Jackson. Just as fans enjoy watching the interaction between rookies and WNBA veterans, it’s also exciting for basketball fans to witness the chemistry between them. However, with so much talent, it brings up a conversation about the difference in salary between WNBA players and NBA players. Who are the highest paid WNBA players in 2024?
The 5 highest paid female players in the WNBA
According to some reports, NBA players earn almost 60 times more than female basketball players. Though long a controversial topic, pay raises could be a big talking point in the upcoming season as the WNBA hits record viewership for the 2024 season. For now, here are the top five earners in the league. However, these salaries do not include endorsements or outside business ventures.
Jackie Young: Las Vegas Aces (base salary of $252,450)
Topping the list of highest-paid WNBA players is Jackie Young. Las Vegas Aces shooting guard Jackie Young was drafted in 2019 and reportedly enters the 2024 season with a salary of $252,450, and the 2020 Olympic gold medalist helped the U.S. team win the Women’s 3×3 Basketball Tournament.
Jewel Loyd: Seattle Storm (Base Salary $245,508)
Nicknamed the “Gold Mamba,” Seattle Storm combo guard Jewel Loyd was coached by the late, great Kobe Bryant. After being drafted in 2015, Jewell quickly won the Rookie of the Year title. In addition to the WNBA, she has traveled the world, playing professionally in Spain, Turkey, China and South Korea. Like the other players on this list, Loyd has also won gold medals at the Olympic level with the United States. A true star athlete, Loyd achieved these victories in both 2020 and 2024. Her base salary in 2024 will reportedly be $245,508.
Kahleah Copper: Phoenix Mercury (base salary $245,059)
Phoenix Mercury defenseman Kahleah Copper joined the team this season after stints with the Chicago Sky and Washington Mystics. Not only is she considered one of the highest-paid WNBA players, she is also an Olympic champion. In 2024, Kahleah Copper helped the United States win a gold medal at the Paris Olympics. It was her first medal and the country’s eighth consecutive medal. Copper was also named MVP of the 2021 WNBA Finals. Her salary this year will reportedly be $245,059.
Arike Ogunbowale: Dallas Wings (Base Salary $241,984)
Guard Arike Ogunbowale is the sister of Houston Texans running back Oluwadare “Dare” Ogunbowale. The Wings built their own line and drafted Ogunbowale in 2019, where she is still with the team. Known for her scoring ability, Ogunbowale finished the 2020 season as the league’s leading scorer, averaging 22.8 points per game. Thanks to these skills, she is earning a salary of $241,984 this year.
Diana Taurasi: Phoenix Mercury (Base Salary $234,936)
Another WNBA earner, Diana Taurasi was drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in 2004. Although she began her professional career as a striker, she now focuses primarily on defense. Taurasi was on five WNBA All-Star teams from 2005 to 2011, breaking scoring records during that time. Taurasi is currently in her 20th season and has no plans to retire anytime soon. One of the highest-paid WNBA players, her annual salary is $234,936 in 2024.