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Friday, October 17, 2025

The Highest-Paid WNBA Centers

  • Both Atlanta Dream centers top the list for highest-paid WNBA centers.
  • Golden State Valkyries have four centers featured.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

With $100 million media rights deals looming, the best WNBA players will earn higher salaries that reflect their growing impact.

Even before the expected increase in salaries, top centers currently are earning over $200,000 to be a force in the middle of the floor.

Two teammates share the title of highest-paid WNBA center. Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner of the Atlanta Dream earn $214,466. Jones signed a 1-year contract in February with the Dream. Jones was drafted by Connecticut in 2017 and had spent her entire career there.

Griner signed a deal with the Dream on the same day as Jones, creating a frontcourt duo of centers over 6’3. She is a former number 1 overall pick and has been one of the stars of the upstart Unrivaled League.

Third is the Aces’ A’ja Wilson, who makes $200,000 as their star player. She extended her contract with Las Vegas in 2023 in a 2-year deal worth $400,000.

Wilson, Griner, and Jones are the only players on the list to earn at least $200,000. 

Fourth on the list is Teaira McCowan at $195,700. The Wings’ center signed a 3-year contract extension in 2023 worth $587,100.

She’s increased her earnings by over $150,000 over the past year. McCowan made just $42,100 on her rookie deal with the Fever before signing with Dallas.

Ezi Magbegor of the Storm earns $186,000 to take the fifth spot. She signed an extension last June to give her a 16% salary increase.

Expansion team Golden State Valkyries leads all teams with four centers featured, but their combined salaries are just $60,000 more than Brittney Griner earns.

Ranking The Highest-Paid Centers in the WNBA

Below is the entire list of the highest-paid WNBA centers. The list was compiled with data from Spotrac.

  • Updated: February 26, 2025
RankPlayerTeamTotal Compensation
T-1Brionna JonesAtlanta Dream$214,466
T-1Brittney GrinerAtlanta Dream$214,466
3A’ja WilsonLas Vegas Aces$200,000
4Teaira McCowanDallas Wings$195,700
5Ezi MagbegorSeattle Storm$186,000
6Stefanie DolsonWashington Mystics$172,500
7Tina CharlesConnecticut Sun$170,000
8Mercedes RussellLos Angeles Sparks$160,000
9Kalani BrownPhoenix Mercury$128,750
10Kiah StokesLas Vegas Aces$101,500
11Elizabeth WilliamsChicago Sky$100,000
12Kamilla CardosoChicago Sky$84,514
13Shakira AustinWashington Mystics$75,556
14Laeticia AmihereGolden State Valkyries$74,675
15Elizabeth KitleyLas Vegas Aces$72,547
T-16Elissa CunaneGolden State Valkyries$66,079
T-16Kariata DiabyConnecticut Sun$66,079
T-16Kyara LinskensGolden State Valkyries$66,079
T-16Li YueruSeattle Storm$66,079
T-16Luisa GeiselsoderDallas Wings$66,079
T-16Maria KliundikovaLos Angeles Sparks$66,079
T-16Marieme BadianeMinnesota Lynx$66,079
T-16Raquel CarreraNew York Liberty$66,079
24Iliana Rupert Golden State Valkyries$59,817

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