Top 10 Richest WNBA Players: Who Leads The League In Earnings?

Lew West 18 Aug 2025

The world of women's professional basketball, especially the WNBA, has seen amazing growth over recent years. More and more people are tuning in, and the league's stars are becoming household names. This rising popularity naturally sparks a lot of curiosity about what these incredible athletes earn. Many folks wonder how WNBA players stack up financially, especially when compared to other sports.

It's a fair question, really. WNBA players, you know, they earn money in a few different ways. Their main income comes from their league salaries, of course, but that's just one piece of the puzzle. They also get money from endorsements with big brands, sponsorships, and often, playing overseas during the WNBA off-season. These extra ventures, you see, can really boost their overall financial standing.

So, if you've been curious about the financial side of things, you're in the right place. We're going to take a look at some of the most successful and financially well-off players in the WNBA right now. This list, it's about celebrating their achievements both on the court and in building their personal wealth, which is pretty inspiring, actually. We'll explore, in a way, just how these athletes have managed to build their fortunes as of the current year.

Understanding WNBA Player Earnings
The Top Earners: A Closer Look
Frequently Asked Questions About WNBA Finances
The Future of WNBA Player Wealth

Understanding WNBA Player Earnings

When we talk about how much WNBA players make, it's a bit more involved than just their league paychecks. Their earnings come from several different sources. The WNBA salary cap and individual player salaries have grown, that's for sure, but endorsements play a really big part in their total wealth. Many players, you know, sign deals with major brands for shoes, clothes, drinks, and more. These partnerships can be quite lucrative, honestly.

Another significant way players add to their income is by playing basketball overseas. Leagues in Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world often offer much higher salaries than the WNBA. So, a lot of WNBA stars spend their off-seasons competing abroad, which, in a way, helps them build their financial standing considerably. This extra playing time also keeps their skills sharp, which is a bonus, too.

Beyond salaries and endorsements, some players also have their own businesses or make investments. They might open a training academy, invest in startups, or even get into media work. These ventures show, you see, that their ambition goes beyond the basketball court. It's a testament to their business savvy, which is something to admire, really.

The Top Earners: A Closer Look

It's interesting to look at the players who have really made a mark, not just with their incredible skills, but also in terms of their financial success. The figures we'll talk about here are estimates, of course, as exact net worths are rarely public. These estimates are based on their career earnings, known endorsement deals, and other reported income streams. It's almost, in some respects, a snapshot of their financial journey.

Sue Bird

Sue Bird is, arguably, one of the most recognizable faces in WNBA history. Her long and successful career with the Seattle Storm has been truly remarkable. She's won multiple championships and Olympic gold medals, cementing her status as a basketball legend. Her consistent performance and longevity have allowed her to command top salaries throughout her playing days. She's been a pillar of the league for so long, too.

Beyond her playing salary, Sue has secured many high-profile endorsement deals. Brands have wanted to partner with her because of her clean image, her leadership, and her widespread appeal. She's also been involved in media work, further adding to her income. Her influence, you know, extends far beyond the court, which is pretty cool.

Sue Bird: Estimated Financial Standing
Category	Detail
Estimated Net Worth	Around $8 Million
Key Income Sources	WNBA salary, Endorsements (Nike, Symetra), Media appearances

Diana Taurasi

Diana Taurasi, often called "G.O.A.T." by fans, has had an absolutely stellar career with the Phoenix Mercury. Her scoring prowess and competitive fire are unmatched. Like Sue, Diana has enjoyed a long career filled with championships and individual awards, making her one of the most decorated players ever. She's a force of nature on the court, that's for sure.

Diana has also been a very popular player for overseas leagues, earning substantial sums during her WNBA off-seasons. Her marketability, too, has led to significant endorsement deals. She's a fierce competitor, and brands often like to align with that kind of spirit. Her financial success, in a way, mirrors her on-court dominance.

Diana Taurasi: Estimated Financial Standing
Category	Detail
Estimated Net Worth	Around $7.5 Million
Key Income Sources	WNBA salary, Overseas contracts, Endorsements (Nike)

Candace Parker

Candace Parker is, honestly, a true icon of women's basketball. Her versatility and athleticism have set her apart since she entered the league. She's won championships with multiple teams and has consistently been one of the WNBA's top players. Her impact, you know, is felt everywhere she plays, which is pretty special.

Candace has also built a strong brand off the court. She's a sought-after analyst for TV broadcasts, which provides a significant income stream. Her endorsement portfolio is impressive, too, including deals with major companies. She's a very recognizable figure, and that helps a lot with securing these kinds of partnerships, obviously. Learn more about Candace Parker's career achievements on our site.

Candace Parker: Estimated Financial Standing
Category	Detail
Estimated Net Worth	Around $7 Million
Key Income Sources	WNBA salary, TV broadcasting, Endorsements (Adidas, Gatorade)

Brittney Griner

Brittney Griner is a truly unique talent in the WNBA, known for her dominant presence in the paint and her incredible dunks. Her journey has been, in some respects, quite public and challenging, yet she remains a powerful figure in the league. She's been a key player for the Phoenix Mercury for many years, which is something to consider.

Before recent events, Brittney had substantial overseas contracts, particularly in Russia, which significantly boosted her earnings. She also has endorsement deals, though her primary wealth came from her high-paying international play. Her story, you know, has resonated with many people, too.

Brittney Griner: Estimated Financial Standing
Category	Detail
Estimated Net Worth	Around $5 Million

Elena Delle Donne

Elena Delle Donne is a remarkably skilled player, known for her smooth shooting and all-around game. She's a two-time WNBA MVP and has led the Washington Mystics to a championship. Her talent and dedication have made her one of the league's brightest stars. She's just a joy to watch play, honestly.

Elena's marketability is high due to her inspiring story and her consistent performance. She has secured various endorsement deals with well-known brands. Her clean image and success make her a popular choice for partnerships, which, you know, really helps her financial picture. She's a good example of how personal story can tie into market appeal, too.

Elena Delle Donne: Estimated Financial Standing
Category	Detail
Estimated Net Worth	Around $4.5 Million
Key Income Sources	WNBA salary, Endorsements (Nike, Gatorade)

A'ja Wilson

A'ja Wilson has quickly become one of the WNBA's most dominant players since being drafted first overall. She's a multiple-time MVP and has led the Las Vegas Aces to a championship. Her powerful game and engaging personality have made her a fan favorite. She's a very exciting player to watch, that's for sure.

As a relatively newer star, A'ja is building her wealth through max WNBA contracts and a growing list of endorsements. Her impact on the court and her strong voice off it make her very appealing to brands. She's, in a way, just getting started with her financial journey, and it looks very promising, too. She's a really important figure for the league's future, obviously.

A'ja Wilson: Estimated Financial Standing
Category	Detail
Estimated Net Worth	Around $3 Million
Key Income Sources	WNBA salary, Endorsements (Nike, Budweiser)

Breanna Stewart

Breanna Stewart is another generational talent who has achieved incredible success early in her career. She's an MVP, a champion, and an Olympic gold medalist, all while showcasing an incredibly versatile game. Her ability to play both inside and out makes her a nightmare for opponents, you know. She's a very complete player, really.

Stewart also earns significant income from her WNBA salary and from playing overseas. Her global appeal and strong social media presence make her an attractive partner for various brands. She's, in some respects, a very modern athlete in how she manages her career and her brand. Her financial growth is certainly something to watch, too.

Breanna Stewart: Estimated Financial Standing
Category	Detail
Estimated Net Worth	Around $2.5 Million
Key Income Sources	WNBA salary, Overseas contracts, Endorsements (Puma, Nike)

Skylar Diggins-Smith

Skylar Diggins-Smith is known for her flashy play, quickness, and scoring ability. She's been a consistent performer in the WNBA for years, earning multiple All-Star selections. Her style of play and her vibrant personality have made her a fan favorite. She's got a real flair for the game, that's for sure.

Off the court, Skylar has built a strong personal brand, leading to numerous endorsement deals with major companies. She's particularly active in the fashion and lifestyle spaces, which, you know, really helps her financial standing. Her appeal goes beyond just basketball, which is a great asset, too.

Skylar Diggins-Smith: Estimated Financial Standing
Category	Detail
Estimated Net Worth	Around $2 Million
Key Income Sources	WNBA salary, Endorsements (Puma, BodyArmor)

Jewell Loyd

Jewell Loyd, known as "The Gold Mamba," is a dynamic guard with incredible scoring ability. She's been a crucial part of championship teams and has developed into one of the league's premier offensive threats. Her quickness and ability to create her own shot make her a very exciting player, you know.

As a top player on a successful team, Jewell commands a good WNBA salary. She also has endorsement deals, leveraging her popularity and her exciting style of play. Her financial picture is, in a way, on a steady rise as her career continues to flourish. She's got a bright future, that's for sure.

Jewell Loyd: Estimated Financial Standing
Category	Detail
Estimated Net Worth	Around $1.5 Million
Key Income Sources	WNBA salary, Endorsements (Nike)

Kelsey Plum

Kelsey Plum has emerged as one of the WNBA's most exciting guards, known for her sharp shooting and clutch performances. She's been a key player for championship teams and has earned All-Star recognition. Her energy and scoring ability make her a real spark plug on the court, you know.

Plum's rising profile in the league means higher WNBA salaries and more opportunities for endorsements. She's also gained popularity for her engaging personality off the court, which helps her connect with fans and brands alike. Her financial growth is, in some respects, mirroring her growing impact in the league. She's a very fun player to watch, too.

Kelsey Plum: Estimated Financial Standing
Category	Detail
Estimated Net Worth	Around $1.2 Million
Key Income Sources	WNBA salary, Endorsements (Under Armour)

Frequently Asked Questions About WNBA Finances

People often have questions about how WNBA players manage their money and what their earning potential truly looks like. Here are some common questions we hear, you know, and some straightforward answers.

How do WNBA players earn money beyond their salaries?

WNBA players get money from a few different places besides their league paychecks. A big part comes from endorsement deals with companies like Nike or Gatorade, which can be quite valuable. Many also play overseas in other professional leagues during the WNBA off-season, where salaries can be much higher. Some players also have their own businesses or make investments, which, you know, adds to their overall wealth.

What is the average salary for a WNBA player?

The average salary for a WNBA player can change each year based on the collective bargaining agreement and the league's financial health. It's typically in the low to mid six-figures. While top players can earn closer to the league maximum, the average is lower, especially for newer players. It's a bit different than what you see in some other sports, obviously.

Are WNBA players allowed to play overseas?

Yes, WNBA players are absolutely allowed to play overseas. Many of them do, actually. It's a common practice for players to join teams in Europe, Asia, or Australia during the WNBA off-season. This allows them to earn additional income and stay in game shape. For many, it's a very important part of their financial strategy, you know.

The Future of WNBA Player Wealth

The WNBA is, in some respects, on a strong upward path. With increasing viewership, new sponsorships, and a growing fan base, the league's financial outlook looks brighter than ever. This growth means better opportunities for players to earn more, both through their league salaries and through external ventures. It's a very exciting time for women's basketball, honestly.

As the league continues to expand its reach and influence, we can expect to see player salaries rise and more endorsement opportunities become available. The visibility of these incredible athletes is only getting bigger, which, you know, directly helps their earning potential. It's pretty clear that the financial landscape for WNBA players is changing for the better. To discover more about WNBA history and its growth, check out our other pages.

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