Thursday, July 30, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

The 25 Highest-Paid WNBA Players

  • Jackie Young is the highest-paid WNBA player.
  • Three Mercury stars occupy spots in the top ten.
Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Equal pay in sports has been a prominent conversation for some time, particularly when comparing the disparities between the salaries of NBA and WNBA players. Despite the growing popularity and success of the WNBA, the salary gap between NBA and WNBA players remains significant.

Las Vegas Aces two-time WNBA champion Jackie Young leads the charge as the highest-paid WNBA player. Young earns $252,450 annually after signing a two-year, $504,900 contract extension with the Aces.

Following Young in the second spot is Indiana Fever star, Kelsey Mitchell, making $249,244 per year. Trailing Mitchell is Jewell Loyd making $245,508. Loyd was traded in a three-team deal that sent her to Las Vegas.

Holding the fourth spot is Mercury veteran Kahleah Copper making 245,059 annually. Capping off the top five is Wings’ rising star Arike Ogunbowale, making $241,984 per year.

After a historic rookie season, Caitlin Clark will make $76,000 as part of her rookie contract. This figure would establish her as the 96th highest-paid WNBA player.

The Top Earners

Here is the full list of the 25 highest-paid WNBA point guards by average salary. The list was compiled using data from Spotrac.

  • Updated: February 20th, 2025
RankPlayerTeamCompensation
1Jackie YoungLas Vegas Aces$252,450
2Kelsey MitchellIndiana Fever$249,244
3Jewell LoydSeattle Storm$245,508
4Kahleah CopperPhoenix Mercury$245,059
5Arike OgunbowaleDallas Wings$241,984
6Gabby WilliamsSeattle Storm$225,000
T-7Alyssa ThomasPhoenix Mercury$215,000
T-7Satou SaballyPhoenix Mercury$215,000
9Natasha HowardIndiana Fever$214,666
T-10Brionna JonesAtlanta Dream$214,466
T-10Brittney GrinerAtlanta Dream$214,466
12Skylar Diggins-SmithSeattle Storm$211,343
13Marina MabreyConnecticut Sun$206,667
14Kayla McBrideMinnesota Lynx$206,500
15Sabrina IonescuNew York Liberty$205,030
16Misha Hines-AllenDallas Wings$203,000
T-17Dearica HambyLos Angeles Sparks$202,000
T-17Kelsey PlumLos Angeles Sparks$202,000
T-19Tiffany HayesGolden State Valkyries$200,000
T-19A’ja WilsonLas Vegas Aces$200,000
T-19DeWanna BonnerIndiana Fever$200,000
T-19Ariel AtkinsWashington Mystics$200,000
T-19Natasha CloudConnecticut Sun$200,000
T-19DiJonai CarringtonDallas Wings$200,000
25Chelsea GrayLas Vegas Aces$196,267

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 28, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Fan hold a Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) (not pictured) sign during the first half between the Seattle Storm and the Indiana Fever at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
First at FOS

Storm Apologize for Owner Comments to Sophie Cunningham Fans

The fans held a sign thanking Cunningham “for speaking up for girls.”
Jan 7, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) celebrates his goal scored against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period at Crypto.com Arena

Macklin Celebrini Contract Extension Sets New NHL Salary Mark

The Sharks locked up its young phenom at a record AAV.
Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) against the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field.

Record Salary Cap Pushes NFL Contracts to New Highs

Historic contracts continue to show the league’s deep pockets.

Yankees, Knicks Ditch Gotham App for DAZN Deal

Yankees, Knicks, Nets, Rangers, Devils, Islanders, and Sabres all head to DAZN.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/30/26 – USMNT Nearing Pochettino Return, FIFA Draws UEFA Criticism, Yankees and Knicks to DAZN

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.

John Isner Backs Tennis Players’ Push for More Pay

Stars conducted a 15-minute media boycott at the French Open.
July 24, 2026

WNBA Union Leaders Sidestep Cathy Engelbert Questions 

Engelbert will speak at a press conference Saturday.
Sep 22, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walk along the sidelines before their game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
July 27, 2026

Gronk on His Favorite Memorabilia and Belichick’s Jersey-Swap Ban

Gronkowski also discussed Belichick’s approach to managing his personality.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses the launch of Champions Fund and how he navigated the business world after football
May 2, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) speaks during a news conference at the team’s Rookie Minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
July 24, 2026

Mendoza Signs $57M Contract While Pavia’s Path Uncertain

The No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft finally signed his rookie contract.
July 22, 2026

Jonathan Vaughters Defends Late-Night Tour de France Drug Tests 

“Do you want the appearance of clean, or do you want clean and fair?”
July 22, 2026

Jake Paul Responds to Critics: ‘I Brought Boxing to Netflix’

Paul believes the Tyson fight’s Netflix audience will never be matched.
kyle rudolph
July 22, 2026

Former Viking Kyle Rudolph: Private Equity ‘Great’ for the NFL

Private equity makes “these assets a little more liquid.”