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Monday, December 2, 2024

The Highest-Paid WNBA Power Forwards

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.

The highest-paid WNBA power forward is Natasha Howard, earning $234.4K annually.

The Wing forward is signed to a 4-year, $898.7K contract, all fully guaranteed. She was part of a four-team trade in 2023 that sent her to Dallas from Seattle.

Howard has earned over $1 million in her nine years in the WNBA.

Coming in second is Alyssa Thomas of the Sun. She makes $218K annually after signing a 4-year deal in 2021. Thomas is a four-time All-Star and has played her entire career in Connecticut. 

Third on the list is Napheesa Collier, who earns $208.2K per year. The Lynx forward is signed through 2025 after a contract extension in 2022. Collier was the 6th overall pick in the 2019 draft after playing college basketball at UConn.

Breanna Stewart earns $205K with the Liberty to put her fourth. She signed a 1-year deal in February to extend her stay with New York.

Stewart has earned $943K in her career playing for the Storm and the Liberty.

Fifth on the list is Nneka Ogwumike at $204.5K. The eight-time All-Star signed with Seattle in February on a 1-year deal. Ogwumike spent her first ten years in the league with the Sparks where she won the 2016 WNBA MVP.

Three teams have at least two players among the top 10 highest-paid power forwards: the Sparks, the Liberty, and the Wing.

Alanna Smith of the Lynx and Brianna Turner of the Sky, tied for 10th, are the last players to earn at least $150K annually. The top 5 highest-paid power forwards each earn more than the league’s highest-paid small forward, DeWanna Bonner ($200K).

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: June 14, 2024
RankPlayerTeamTotal Compensation
1Natasha HowardDallas Wing$234.4K
2Alyssa ThomasConneticut Sun$218K
3Napheesa CollierMinnesota Lynx$208.2K
4Breanna StewartNew York Liberty$205K
5Nneka OgwumikeSeattle Storm$204.5K
6Cheyenne ParkerAtlanta Dream$200K
T-7Azurá StevensLos Angeles Sparks$195K
T-7Satou SaballyDallas Wing$195K
9Jonquel JonesNew York Liberty$190K
10Dearica HambyLos Angeles Sparks$169K
T-11Alanna SmithMinnesota Lynx$150K
T-11Brianna TurnerChicago Sky$150K
13Damiris DantasIndiana Fever$97.1K
14Megan GustafsonLas Vegas Aces$94K
15Aliyah BostonIndiana Fever$75.8K
T-16Naz HillmonAtlanta Dream$71.1K
T-16Olivia Nelson-OdodaConneticut Sun$71.1K
18Dorka JuhaszMinnesota Lynx$66.6K
T-19Liz DixonPhoenix Mercury$64.1K
T-19Natasha MackPhoenix Mercury$64.1K

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