The WNBA is facing mounting pressure as players, including Napheesa Collier, speak out about the stark underpayment of athletes in the league, despite the growing popularity and revenue they generate. Collier’s recent comments about the pay disparity in the WNBA, especially in relation to Caitlin Clark, have sparked a wider discussion on the need for revenue sharing in the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations.
As the deadline for a new CBA agreement approaches on October 31, 2025, players are pushing for significant changes, particularly regarding how revenue is distributed. Collier, who plays for the Minnesota Lynx, boldly stated that WNBA players, particularly stars like Caitlin Clark, are being grossly underpaid compared to the revenue they help generate. In her interview with Glamour, Collier emphasized that the current pay structure is not only insufficient but also potentially exploitative, saying, “We are being so grossly almost taken advantage of, and it should be illegal.”
The core issue is the lack of revenue sharing in the WNBA, a stark contrast to what is seen in other major leagues, where players share a portion of the league’s earnings. Currently, WNBA players are limited to fixed salary increases, which cap a player’s maximum base salary at around $250,000. This amount is significantly lower than what players like Caitlin Clark bring to the table. Despite Clark’s contributions to the league’s skyrocketing revenue and viewership, she earns less than $80,000 per year, a fraction of the income she generates for the WNBA. Collier’s frustration is palpable: “The amount of money that Caitlin Clark has made the league is insane, and she’s getting 0% of it because we have no rev share.”
Caitlin Clark, one of the most marketable and popular athletes in the WNBA, has undoubtedly brought substantial financial gains to the league. Her impact on viewership, merchandise sales, and sponsorship deals has been undeniable. However, despite her star power, Clark’s earnings do not reflect the billions she helps generate for the WNBA. This underpayment issue highlights a fundamental problem with the WNBA’s financial model, where the league profits immensely from its players’ hard work and talent, but players are not seeing their fair share.
One of the major challenges for players in the WNBA is the salary structure, which has not kept pace with the growth of the league. Players on rookie contracts, for instance, earn far less than their more established counterparts, with salaries often falling below $100,000 in the early years of their careers. This pay gap makes it increasingly difficult for athletes to build long-term financial security within the league, especially when their counterparts in other sports can earn far more.
For some players, the situation is even more stark. Fever guard Lexie Hull pointed out that her salary in the WNBA is far surpassed by what she earns playing in Unrivaled, a separate league that offers more lucrative contracts. Hull mentioned that her income from Unrivaled is “double to triple” what she makes in the WNBA, illustrating the financial disparity within women’s professional sports. While the average salary in the WNBA hovers around $150,000, players in leagues like Unrivaled are seeing significantly higher earnings, with an average salary of approximately $220,000. This contrast only deepens the frustration felt by WNBA players, who feel their value is not reflected in their compensation.
As the WNBA and the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) continue negotiations, the push for revenue sharing is at the forefront of discussions. The WNBPA has made it clear that they are seeking a greater percentage of the league’s revenue to be shared with players, instead of just incremental increases in fixed salaries. This would allow player compensation to scale with the league’s growth, providing a more equitable system where players are compensated in proportion to their contributions.
The importance of revenue sharing cannot be overstated, particularly in light of how much revenue players like Caitlin Clark generate for the WNBA. The lack of a fair revenue-sharing model has led to players feeling undervalued, despite their hard work and the growing interest in the league. If the WNBA hopes to retain its top talent and continue to grow, it will need to address these financial disparities.
A WNBA spokesperson echoed this sentiment, stating that the league agrees with the players’ desire for higher pay and revenue sharing. The league’s proposal to the Players Association includes “significant guaranteed salary cap increases and substantial uncapped revenue sharing,” which would enable player salaries to grow as the business of the league grows. However, the implementation of these changes remains to be seen, and the outcome of the CBA negotiations will determine whether the WNBA can find a way to balance the financial interests of the league with the needs of its players.
The upcoming CBA negotiations are set to be a turning point for the WNBA. With the deadline rapidly approaching, it is clear that the current pay structure is unsustainable if the league hopes to continue growing and attracting top-tier talent. As players like Collier, Clark, and others continue to shine on the court and drive the league’s success, they deserve to be compensated fairly for their contributions. If the WNBA is serious about its long-term success, it must address the pay inequities that have persisted for far too long.
In conclusion, the WNBA is at a critical juncture, and the upcoming CBA negotiations will likely define the future of the league. The disparity between player contributions and player compensation is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Players like Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier are right to demand a fair share of the revenue they generate, and the league must listen to their concerns. Only through fair compensation and a better revenue-sharing model can the WNBA ensure its players are properly rewarded for the value they bring to the league.
