Wednesday, July 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

Related lists:

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Apr 1, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić (15) looks to pass the ball during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center.

Nuggets ‘Unconcerned’ Over Jokić’s Delay in Contract Extension

Jokić is eligible for the richest deal in NBA history next summer.
Mar 19, 2022; Scottsdale, AZ, United States; Victor Evans (26) jumps to dunk the ball at Victorium. Basketball Big3 Tryouts

Big3 Fights Lawsuit Over NFTs Amid Plans to Go Public

A Big3 representative says the case is a “classic nuisance suit.”
Sep 29, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens talks to reporters during media day at the Auerbach Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Brad Stevens Preaches ‘Optionality’ in Defense of Jaylen Brown Trade

The Celtics executive conceded that the trade wasn’t popular with fans.

Chicago Sky Shuffle Practice Venues As Facility Delay Continues

Chicago has not given a firm opening date for their practice facility.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/8/26 – USMNT Ratings, World Cup Bidding War, Big 12’s Monster Deal

0:00

Featured Today

Pillow Fight Championship

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
July 2, 2026

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.
June 26, 2026

What We Saw Traveling the U.S. for the World Cup Group Stage

The knockout stage begins Sunday.
June 26, 2026

In an Era of $1,000 Tickets, $10 Watch Parties Bring Fans Together

Stadium watch parties now rival home-game experiences.

Serena Williams Withdraws From Wimbledon With Knee Injury

Williams lost to Maya Joint in her singles return Tuesday.
Jun 11, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert meets with the working media before Portland Fire against the Las Vegas Aces at Moda Center.
June 30, 2026

Cathy Engelbert Responds to Alyssa Thomas’s Callout

Thomas received a Flagrant 2 foul and one-game suspension last week.
July 2, 2026

Alex Ovechkin Will Return to Washington for One More Season

The one-year contract extension is based heavily on an appearance incentive.
Sponsored

Josh Childress: Why Now Is the Time for NBA Expansion

Josh Childress on why he invested in the Portland Thorns, the case for NBA expansion, and donating to Stanford NIL.
Jun 30, 2026; London, United Kingdom; Serena Williams of the United States returns a shot during her match against Maya Joint of Australia on day two at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
June 30, 2026

Serena Williams Loses in Return to Singles at Wimbledon

It was her first singles match since the 2022 US Open.
June 29, 2026

Unrivaled Lands Two International Stars Amid Project B Battle

Unrivaled also signed Canadian forward Bridget Carleton.
June 25, 2026

Tracy McGrady Buying 80% of ABCD as He Revives Legendary Camp

McGrady is bringing back a piece of basketball history.
Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) celebrates a three-point basket Monday, June 22, 2026, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 86-77
June 24, 2026

Female Athletes Are Trying to Build the ‘Athleisure of Beauty’

“Performance cosmetics” have emerged alongside the women’s sports boom.