Friday, October 30, 2026

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

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

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

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Josh Kushner attends the annual Allen and Co. Sun Valley Media and Technology Conference at the Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho, U.S., July 10, 2026.
Exclusive

Josh Kushner, Bob Iger Shopping Lakers Stakes Starting at $250M

Sources tell FOS there has been massive interest in minority stakes.
Oct 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) celebrates with fans after a victory over the Golden State Valkyries in game six of the 2026 WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena.
First at FOS

WNBA ‘Assessing’ Possibility of Prediction Market Deals

The NBA announced partnerships with Kalshi and Polymarket this week.

WNBA’s First Finals Game 7 Comes With a Record Price Tag

Saturday’s game is the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history.

WNBA Finals Ticket Prices Recover Before Game 6

The Valkyries lead the Dream 3–2 in the Finals.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/30/26 – First WNBA Game 7, Utah Targets Kalshi Founders, Cowboys Cheerleaders Unionize

0:00

Featured Today

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Oct 10, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit:

Dylan Larkin’s Trade Demand Comes With a $41K Daily Price Tag

Larkin is playing an expensive waiting game, holding out for a trade.
October 28, 2026

Golf and Tennis See Big Gains in Youth Sports Participation

Youth participation in flag football also keeps growing.
October 30, 2026

Pro Marathoners Grapple With the Sport’s Pervasive Doping Problem

Pros and coaches tell FOS the ripple effects last for years.
Sponsored

How the New York Yankees Stay Game-Ready with Sage Intacct

See how Sage Intacct helps the Yankees streamline finances and plan for the future.
October 28, 2026

Saquon Barkley Opposes 18-Game NFL Season: ‘Hell of a Sport’

The Eagles RB cited player health.
Exclusive
October 28, 2026

NFL Told Saquon Barkley to Divest Polymarket Stake

“I was in it before, but no bueno,” Barkley told FOS.
Sponsored

How the New York Yankees Stay Game-Ready with Sage Intacct

See how Sage Intacct helps the Yankees streamline finances and plan for the future.
October 25, 2026

Jackson Contract Standoff Looms Over Ravens As Team Treads Water

The two-time MVP missed his third straight game.