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
| Rank | Player | Team | Total Compensation |
| T-1 | Brionna Jones | Atlanta Dream | $214,466 |
| T-1 | Brittney Griner | Atlanta Dream | $214,466 |
| 3 | A’ja Wilson | Las Vegas Aces | $200,000 |
| 4 | Teaira McCowan | Dallas Wings | $195,700 |
| 5 | Ezi Magbegor | Seattle Storm | $186,000 |
| 6 | Stefanie Dolson | Washington Mystics | $172,500 |
| 7 | Tina Charles | Connecticut Sun | $170,000 |
| 8 | Mercedes Russell | Los Angeles Sparks | $160,000 |
| 9 | Kalani Brown | Phoenix Mercury | $128,750 |
| 10 | Kiah Stokes | Las Vegas Aces | $101,500 |
| 11 | Elizabeth Williams | Chicago Sky | $100,000 |
| 12 | Kamilla Cardoso | Chicago Sky | $84,514 |
| 13 | Shakira Austin | Washington Mystics | $75,556 |
| 14 | Laeticia Amihere | Golden State Valkyries | $74,675 |
| 15 | Elizabeth Kitley | Las Vegas Aces | $72,547 |
| T-16 | Elissa Cunane | Golden State Valkyries | $66,079 |
| T-16 | Kariata Diaby | Connecticut Sun | $66,079 |
| T-16 | Kyara Linskens | Golden State Valkyries | $66,079 |
| T-16 | Li Yueru | Seattle Storm | $66,079 |
| T-16 | Luisa Geiselsoder | Dallas Wings | $66,079 |
| T-16 | Maria Kliundikova | Los Angeles Sparks | $66,079 |
| T-16 | Marieme Badiane | Minnesota Lynx | $66,079 |
| T-16 | Raquel Carrera | New York Liberty | $66,079 |
| 24 | Iliana Rupert | Golden State Valkyries | $59,817 |
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