Uncovering The Richest WNBA Player Of All Time: How Stars Build Their Fortunes

Orpha White 27 Jul 2025

Have you ever wondered about the financial success of WNBA stars? It's a question many fans have, especially as the league gains more attention. We are talking about the truly remarkable athletes who play women's basketball at its highest level. Their earnings are a hot topic, and for good reason.

The WNBA is growing in popularity, year after year, which is a really good thing. Women's salaries in the sport are, in some respects, growing at light speed, which is pretty amazing to see. People are curious to find out who made the most money in WNBA history.

From the legends of the game to the shining stars of today, fans want to meet the highest paid WNBA player and see the top 10 highest earners ranked. It’s a fascinating look at how these athletes earn their millions, not just through their basketball contracts but also through other ventures, you know, like endorsements and various side hustles.

Understanding Wealth in the WNBA
The Rise of WNBA Earnings and Popularity
Leading the Pack: Who Are Today's Richest WNBA Players?
How WNBA Stars Build Their Fortunes
The Future of WNBA Player Earnings
Frequently Asked Questions About WNBA Player Earnings

Understanding Wealth in the WNBA

When we ask, "Who is the richest WNBA player of all time?", it's a bit more complex than just looking at their playing salary. The true measure of a player's wealth often comes from a mix of different income streams. We take a look at the highest paid WNBA players, and we also consider the richest ones by factoring in their WNBA salary, their endorsements, and their side hustles. This gives us a fuller picture, actually.

It’s important to remember that player wealth is a dynamic thing. What might be true today could shift tomorrow, as new contracts are signed and new endorsement deals come through. So, while we can point to top earners, the title of "richest of all time" is, in a way, always evolving.

The WNBA has been the center stage of women’s basketball for quite some time. Among the spectacular plethora of talented young players and the legends of the sport, the league keeps flourishing in popularity. This growth, you know, directly impacts how much money players can make.

The Rise of WNBA Earnings and Popularity

The WNBA is seeing remarkable growth, which is really exciting. For instance, the league completed its 27th year, and we have been able to look at the top five earners in the league. This shows a clear progression in player compensation. The league has gained mainstream prominence, with a 36 percent increase in TV viewership in 2023, which is a pretty significant jump.

Despite this growth, WNBA salaries have been, in some respects, woefully low for professional athletics when compared to other major sports. However, there's been some good news. Recent salary boosts for top WNBA players, like Jonquel Jones, reflect an overdue recognition of their talent. This is a positive step, clearly.

These big sums of money are a testament to the progressive nature of sports that is evolving over the years. Even after the lack of a lucrative fund bank as a backup, the team owners invested, showing a real belief in the league's future. This investment helps drive up player earnings, too it's almost a cycle of growth.

Leading the Pack: Who Are Today's Richest WNBA Players?

When we talk about who earns the most money in the WNBA right now, a few names consistently come up. WNBA stars Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart, and Jewell Loyd are often mentioned as earning the most money in the WNBA. They are putting themselves among the highest paid athletes of all time, which is quite an achievement, really.

Looking at contracts, Aces guard Jackie Young leads the way in the annual value of contracts among all WNBA players. She is making an average of $252,420 per season. This shows a big step forward for player compensation in the league. We also remember that Sds' 2020 deal was the richest contract in league history at that time, which was a huge moment for the league.

Discover the richest WNBA players who made the top 10 list in 2025. This list, you know, changes, but these players consistently show up because of their talent and their ability to attract big deals. It’s fascinating to see how these stars earn millions through basketball and their various endorsements, which we will talk about next.

How WNBA Stars Build Their Fortunes

WNBA players have made significant fortunes from their player contracts and their salaries, that is a fact. But that is only one piece of the puzzle. The biggest rewards these women basketball players receive for their hard work and their passion have also made the league’s following global. This global reach helps them earn more money.

Player Contracts and Salaries

The highest WNBA contracts of all time are a big part of a player's overall wealth. These are the sums of money they get paid just for playing the game. While these salaries have historically been lower than those in men's sports, they are definitely on an upward trend. The WNBA season features 36 games from May to September, with playoffs for the top eight teams, and these games are where the contract money is earned.

For instance, Jackie Young's contract value, as mentioned, shows how much top players can earn from their team. This base salary provides a solid foundation for their financial well-being. It’s the direct reward for their incredible skill and dedication on the court, you know, putting in all that hard work.

Lucrative Endorsement Deals

Beyond their playing salaries, endorsement deals are a huge source of income for WNBA stars. These are agreements with companies where players promote products or services. Because the WNBA is growing in popularity, more brands want to partner with its stars. This means more opportunities for players to earn millions.

Players like Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart, and Jewell Loyd, who are widely recognized, attract major brands. Their visibility and influence make them attractive partners for companies looking to reach a broad audience. These deals can, in some respects, far exceed their playing salaries, making a big difference to their overall wealth.

The increasing TV viewership of the WNBA means more eyes are on the players, making their endorsement potential even greater. This is where their personal brand really comes into play, you know, building up their image and appeal.

Smart Side Hustles and Investments

Many WNBA players also engage in side hustles and make smart investments to grow their wealth. This could involve anything from owning businesses, doing public speaking, or even investing in other ventures. These activities show their business sense and their desire to build long-term financial security.

For example, some players might have their own clothing lines, or they might invest in real estate. These side ventures add another layer to their income. They are, basically, taking advantage of their platform and their earnings to create even more wealth for themselves, which is pretty clever, honestly.

These additional income streams are especially important given that WNBA salaries, while improving, still might not compare to some other professional sports. Diversifying their income sources is a very smart move for these athletes, you know, securing their financial future.

The Future of WNBA Player Earnings

The WNBA is definitely on an upward path, and that means good things for player earnings. With the league completing its 27th year and showing significant increases in viewership, the future looks bright. As the league continues to flourish in popularity, the financial rewards for its players are likely to keep growing, too. This means more lucrative contracts and more endorsement opportunities, which is very promising.

The progressive nature of sports, as seen in the WNBA's growth, suggests that player compensation will continue to evolve. This ongoing recognition of talent and hard work will likely lead to even higher earnings for the WNBA's stars in the years to come. It's a really exciting time to follow women's basketball, to be honest.

To learn more about WNBA player contracts on our site, and for more details about the league's history, you can explore further. You can also find additional information on the official WNBA website, which is a great resource for fans. Visit the WNBA official site to stay up-to-date on all the latest news and player developments.

Frequently Asked Questions About WNBA Player Earnings

How do WNBA players make their money?

WNBA players earn money through a few main ways. Their primary income comes from their player contracts and salaries with their teams. Beyond that, many players secure lucrative endorsement deals with various brands. Some also engage in side hustles and make smart investments to build their wealth, you know, diversifying their income.

Are WNBA salaries increasing?

Yes, WNBA salaries are increasing. The league has seen significant growth in popularity and viewership, which has led to salary boosts for top players. While historically lower than other professional sports, the trend is upward, reflecting a greater recognition of player talent and the league's overall success. It's a pretty clear sign of progress, actually.

Who has the biggest WNBA contract?

The "richest contract in league history" was Breanna Stewart's 2020 deal, as reported. More recently, Aces guard Jackie Young leads in the annual value of contracts among all WNBA players, making an average of $252,420 per season. These figures represent the direct playing income, though overall wealth can be higher with endorsements, you know, adding quite a bit.

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