Saturday, September 19, 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

Jul 15, 2026; New York, NY, USA; Kevin Hart arrives on the red carpet before the 2026 ESPY Awards at Lincoln Center.

LeBron James and Kevin Hart Planning YouTube Golf Collab

Both celebrities recently launched golf content channels.

Knicks Blame ‘Mistake’ for Sky-High Ticket Prices

The team halted ticket sales and will issue partial refunds.
Brian Windhorst ESPN

Brian Windhorst Discusses Global Podcast Tour, LeBron’s Fanatics Deal

Windhorst also discussed the Clippers’ punishment and LeBron’s potential commute.
Bhathals

Fire, Thorns Owners All In on Portland Despite Missing Out on Blazers

The sibling owners say Portland is a “mid-market unicorn.”
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

NFL Ratings Dip, Steve Belichick Resigns, Knicks Ticket Refunds

0:00

Featured Today

Hot & Social/Mets

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.
Exclusive
September 18, 2026

Vicious Infighting Is Jeopardizing the Future of Women’s Baseball

The WPBL’s own CEO admits there’s a “power struggle.”
September 17, 2026

Fantasy Football Drafts Are Turning Into Full-Blown Vacations

Leagues are forgoing solo drafts and replacing them with in-person getaways.
Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena
September 10, 2026

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 6, 2026

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.
Kylian Mbappe On

Mbappé Leaves Nike for On As Brand Launches Soccer Division

Thierry Henry joins as the company’s new director of football.
Aug 28, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) warms up against the Seattle Seahawks prior to a game at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 14, 2026

Mahomes Comeback Kicks Off ESPN ‘MNF’ Coverage

The two-time NFL MVP is completing a remarkable injury recovery.
asset class
September 16, 2026

Ndamukong Suh Says He Almost Invested in the Seahawks

He also “looked at” the Portland Blazers and Thorns.
Sponsored

Drew Weatherford’s Bet on the Youth Sports Economy

Drew Weatherford discusses investing across the youth, college and professional levels.
September 13, 2026

Myles Garrett’s Knee Surgery Adds to Rams’ Early Woes

He’ll miss at least four games on IR.
September 12, 2026

Rybakina Wins First US Open Title, World No. 1, and $5.5M

The 27-year-old will officially become No. 1 in the world on Monday.
September 11, 2026

Taylor Fritz’s Latest Ball Complaint: Retail Ones Are ‘Miserable’

Fritz was knocked out of the US Open in the third round.
September 11, 2026

US Open Ticket Prices Collapse for First Men’s Semifinal

The get-in for Zverev-Khachanov dipped below $30 Friday morning.