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Thursday, January 8, 2026

The Highest-Paid WNBA Power Forwards

  • Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally are the highest-paid WNBA forwards at $215,000 annually.
  • Only six players earn over $200,000.
Oct 8, 2019; Uncasville, CT, USA; Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas (25) shots against Washington Mystics guard Kristi Toliver (20) and forward Elena Delle Donne (11) during the second quarter in game four of the 2019 WNBA Finals at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The WNBA continues to expand its influence with attendance up by one-third, and new teams on the horizon. The best players earn high salaries as they attract more fans to the arena.

Two players are tied as the highest-paid WNBA power forwards: Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally, both play for the Mercury and earn $215,000 annually.

Thomas signed a one-year deal in February after she was traded as part of a four-team trade. She had spent 11 years with the Sun.

Sabally was also part of the trade, leaving the Wings after spending her entire career there.

Third is Natasha Howard of the Fever, earning $214,666. She signed a one-year deal this offseason with the Fever.on

Fourth on the list is Breanna Stewart, who earns $208,400 with the Liberty. Stewart has earned $1.1 million in her career playing for the Storm and the Liberty.

Fifth is Myisha Hines-Allen of the Wing, earning $203,000 annually. Hines-Allen signed a one-year deal with Dallas in February a year after she was traded to the Lynx.

Four teams make up 80% of the top 10 highest-paid forwards: the Mercury, Lynx, Liberty, and Sparks.

Tied for 11th, Alanna Smith of the Lynx and Nia Coffey of the Dream are the last players to earn at least $150,000 annually.

Ranking The Highest-Paid Power Forwards in the WNBA

Here is the entire list of the highest-paid WNBA power forwards. The list was compiled with data from Spotrac.

  • Updated: April 28th, 2025
RankPlayerTeamTotal Compensation
T-1Alyssa ThomasPhoenix Mercury$215,000
T-1Satou SaballyPhoenix Mercury$215,000
3Natasha HowardMinnesota Lynx$214,666
4Breanna StewartNew York Liberty$208,400
5Myisha Hines-AllenDallas Wing$203,000
6Dearica HambyLos Angeles Sparks$202,000
T-7Nneka OgwumikeSeattle Storm$195,000
T-7Azurá StevensLos Angeles Sparks$195,000
9Jonquel JonesNew York Liberty$192,500
10Napheesa CollierMinnesota Lynx$184,172
T-11Alanna SmithMinnesota Lynx$150,000
T-11Nia CoffeyAtlanta Dream$150,000
13Rae BurrellLos Angeles Sparks$125,000
14Jessica ShepardMinnesota Lynx$121,800
15Damiris DantasIndiana Fever$98,550
16Megan GustafsonLas Vegas Aces$95,410
17Brianna TurnerIndiana Fever$85,000
T-18Cameron BrinkLos Angeles Sparks$84,514
T-18Rickea JacksonLos Angeles Sparks$84,514
20Kiki IriafenWashington Mystics$82,563
T-21Aaliyah EdwardsWashington Mystics$81,096
T-21Alissa PiliMinnesota Lynx$81,096
T-21Angel ReeseChicago Sky$81,096
24Aneesah MorrowConneticut Sun$79,223
25Cheyenne ParkerConnecticut Sun$78,831

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