• Loading stock data...
Monday, January 12, 2026

The 25 Highest-Paid WNBA Players

  • Jackie Young is the highest-paid WNBA player.
  • Three Mercury stars occupy spots in the top ten.
Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Equal pay in sports has been a prominent conversation for some time, particularly when comparing the disparities between the salaries of NBA and WNBA players. Despite the growing popularity and success of the WNBA, the salary gap between NBA and WNBA players remains significant.

Las Vegas Aces two-time WNBA champion Jackie Young leads the charge as the highest-paid WNBA player. Young earns $252,450 annually after signing a two-year, $504,900 contract extension with the Aces.

Following Young in the second spot is Indiana Fever star, Kelsey Mitchell, making $249,244 per year. Trailing Mitchell is Jewell Loyd making $245,508. Loyd was traded in a three-team deal that sent her to Las Vegas.

Holding the fourth spot is Mercury veteran Kahleah Copper making 245,059 annually. Capping off the top five is Wings’ rising star Arike Ogunbowale, making $241,984 per year.

After a historic rookie season, Caitlin Clark will make $76,000 as part of her rookie contract. This figure would establish her as the 96th highest-paid WNBA player.

The Top Earners

Here is the full list of the 25 highest-paid WNBA point guards by average salary. The list was compiled using data from Spotrac.

  • Updated: February 20th, 2025
RankPlayerTeamCompensation
1Jackie YoungLas Vegas Aces$252,450
2Kelsey MitchellIndiana Fever$249,244
3Jewell LoydSeattle Storm$245,508
4Kahleah CopperPhoenix Mercury$245,059
5Arike OgunbowaleDallas Wings$241,984
6Gabby WilliamsSeattle Storm$225,000
T-7Alyssa ThomasPhoenix Mercury$215,000
T-7Satou SaballyPhoenix Mercury$215,000
9Natasha HowardIndiana Fever$214,666
T-10Brionna JonesAtlanta Dream$214,466
T-10Brittney GrinerAtlanta Dream$214,466
12Skylar Diggins-SmithSeattle Storm$211,343
13Marina MabreyConnecticut Sun$206,667
14Kayla McBrideMinnesota Lynx$206,500
15Sabrina IonescuNew York Liberty$205,030
16Misha Hines-AllenDallas Wings$203,000
T-17Dearica HambyLos Angeles Sparks$202,000
T-17Kelsey PlumLos Angeles Sparks$202,000
T-19Tiffany HayesGolden State Valkyries$200,000
T-19A’ja WilsonLas Vegas Aces$200,000
T-19DeWanna BonnerIndiana Fever$200,000
T-19Ariel AtkinsWashington Mystics$200,000
T-19Natasha CloudConnecticut Sun$200,000
T-19DiJonai CarringtonDallas Wings$200,000
25Chelsea GrayLas Vegas Aces$196,267

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Batbox

Bowling’s Blueprint Is Powering the New Social Gaming Boom

New venues are fusing sports, entertainment, and good food.
Black Rabbit

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”
exclusive

WNBA Telling Teams They Can Send Free Agent Offers Amid CBA Uncertainty

“Without a real salary cap, no one is going to sign anything.”
Sep 19, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) dribbles against New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) during the second half of game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena.

WNBA’s Stalled CBA Talks Will Lead to a Free-Agency Sprint

Free agency has been fully grounded due to delays in CBA negotiations.

Featured Today

NHL Ditched Its Dress Code. Hockey’s Fashion Era Arrived Quickly

With no dress code, impeccably dressed players are seeing big-money deals.
January 6, 2026

Hockey in Florida Was Once a Risk. Now It’s Thriving

The state of Florida has become a traditional—and highly lucrative—market.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena
January 4, 2026

Why Pro Sports Team Valuations Will Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.
Imagn Images/Front Office Sports
January 2, 2026

FOS Crystal Ball: Predictions for the Business of Sports in 2026

Here’s what FOS journalists think could be on the horizon.

Tigers and Skubal File a Whopping $13 Million Apart on Salary

The ace pitcher is seeking a record-level salary in arbitration.
Jan 6, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center.
January 8, 2026

LeBron James on the Verge of Losing Two 21-Year Streaks

James has qualified for every All-Star Game since 2024.
January 9, 2026

WNBA Union Highlights Big Gap With NBA Health Benefits

WNBA players have far more limited health benefits.
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
January 7, 2026

Trae Young Shipped to D.C. in NBA Season’s First Blockbuster 

Young has a player option for next season worth $49 million. 
exclusive
January 7, 2026

Tiger Woods’s 50th Birthday Party Has Jon Bon Jovi and a Title..

The golf superstar is hosting a belated 50th birthday bash.
January 5, 2026

Saquon Barkley Whiffs on Incentives a Year After Sweeping Them

Barkley sat out Sunday’s game to rest for the postseason. 
Aug 18 2024; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Aryna Sabalenka at the net with Iga Swiatek of Poland after their match on day seven of the Cincinnati Open.
January 5, 2026

Women Tennis Players Continue to Blast Battle of the Sexes

“The guy is detestable,” one former women’s pro said about Nick Kyrgios.