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Thursday, November 21, 2024

The Highest-Paid WNBA Centers

  • Seattle and Connecticut are the only two teams with two centers in the top 10.
  • Brittany Griner is one of eight centers earning at least $150K.
Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury
May 12, 2023; Phoenix, Ariz.; USA; Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) yells to her teammate during a game against the Sparks at the Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Breen-USA TODAY NETWORK

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 $200K to be a force in the middle of the floor.

The highest-paid WNBA center is Brionna Jones, who earns $212K annually. She signed a 1-year contract in February to extend her stay with the Sun. Jones was drafted by Connecticut in 2017 and has spent her entire career there.

She has netted $618K in salary during her time with the Sun.

Second to Jones is the Aces’ A’ja Wilson, who makes $200K as their star player. She extended her contract with Las Vegas in 2023 in a 2-year deal worth $400K. Wilson was the Aces’ number 1 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft.

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

Third on the list is Teaira McCowan at $195.7K. The Wings center signed a 3-year contract extension in 2023 worth $587.1K.

She’s increased her earnings by over $150K over the past year. McCowan made just $42.1K on her rookie deal with the Fever before signing with Dallas.

Stefanie Dolson of the Mystics earns $175K taking the fourth spot. She’s in her first year of a 2-year contract worth $345K. Dolson played in Chicago and New York before her move back to Washington where she started her career.

Dolson’s $903K in career earnings is the most among the top five highest-paid centers.

Fifth on the list is Elizabeth Williams of the Sky earning $165K. Williams has played with four teams over her nine-year WNBA career. She signed a one-year extension in September that will cut her salary by 40% to $100K in 2025.

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: November 8, 2024
RankPlayerTeamTotal Compensation
1Brionna JonesConnecticut Sun$212K
2A’ja WilsonLas Vegas Aces$200K
3Teaira McCowanDallas Wings$195.7K
4Stefanie DolsonWashington Mystics$185K
5Elizabeth WilliamsChicago Sky$165K
6Mercedes RussellSeattle Storm$160K
7Ezi MagbegorSeattle Storm$155K
8Brittney GrinerPhoenix Mercury$150K
9Tina CharlesAtlanta Dream$130K
T-10Astou NdourConnecticut Sun$125K
T-10Kalani BrownDallas Wings$125K
12Kiah StokesLas Vegas Aces$100K
13Shakira AustinWashington Mystics$80.9K
T-14Kamilla CardosoChicago Sky$76.5K
T-14Stephanie SoaresDallas Wings$76.5K
T-14Temi FagbenleIndiana Fever$76.5K
17Laeticia AmihereAtlanta Dream$72.7K
18Li YueruLos Angeles Sparks$64.7K

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