WNBA Revenue Doubles, But Salaries Remain Low
# WNBA Revenue Doubles, But Salaries Remain Low
## The WNBA is Thriving
The WNBA is at the top of its game. Viewership is at its highest in over a decade. There are more corporate sponsors than ever, and last year, the league raised the largest amount in women’s sports history.
## Discrepancy in Player Salaries
Despite the WNBA projected to double their revenue this year from 2019, player salaries have barely budged. On average, the female athletes still take home less than 2% of their male counterparts’ base pay.
## Outdated Collective Bargaining Agreement
The main factor holding back the players from a much-needed payday is the dated collective bargaining agreement. The contract, brokered back in 2019, doesn’t allow salaries to increase as the league generates more revenue. They’re locked in at only a 3% increase every year, accounting for inflation.
## Complicated Revenue Sharing
While the CBA has a provision for players to get some more cash through revenue sharing, the complicated revenue targets and convoluted formulas make it difficult for revenue sharing to kick in. Even if it does, it’s not an even 50/50 split, and players would take home less than 20% of the portion that’s up for grabs.
## Locked in Until 2027
The league and the athletes are locked into this contract until 2027. To abandon it early, the union is largely expected to opt out. As interest in women’s sports has skyrocketed, the players will likely play hardball to secure fairer compensation.
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