A financial revolution may be on the horizon in women’s basketball.
In what is shaping up to be the most pivotal labor negotiation in WNBA history, players are making bold demands that could reshape the economic landscape of the league. Among the most eye-catching proposals are a $1 million minimum salary for top-tier players, a 50/50 revenue split, major expansions in maternity and health benefits, charter flights for all games, and performance-based bonuses tied to jersey sales, social media engagement, and viewership.
The push comes amid a growing wave of player empowerment, rising media attention, and calls for gender equity in professional sports. While the average WNBA salary currently hovers around $102,249, with rookie deals as low as $64,000, NBA players are pulling in an average of over $11.9 million per season — a gap many stars believe is no longer justifiable.
Leading the charge is rising WNBA superstar Angel Reese, whose crossover appeal has exploded since joining the league. With millions of followers and one of the highest jersey sales in the league, Reese is using her platform to speak plainly.
“At this point we should be making NBA money,” Reese said. “We’re not just hooping — we’re building a brand, driving ratings, and carrying the league. It’s time the paycheck reflects that.”
She’s not alone. Fellow stars Kelsey Plum, Brittney Griner, and A’ja Wilson are reportedly involved in negotiations, aligning under the WNBPA’s unified call for transformational change.
One player agent involved in the talks said this CBA is about more than numbers.
“It’s about dignity. It’s about professional standards. These women aren’t asking for charity — they’re demanding a model that reflects the value they bring.”
According to multiple sources, the WNBA Players’ Association has formally submitted a package of demands in the ongoing CBA negotiations. These include significantly increased minimum salaries for top-tier athletes, a revenue-sharing model that puts players on equal footing with the league, full charter flights for the entire season, expanded benefits around family planning and health, and bonuses based on player-driven metrics like jersey sales and social reach.
These demands are a massive leap from current standards, and they’ve sparked heated debate among league executives, analysts, and fans. While some see them as unrealistic given the WNBA’s reported financial losses — the league is believed to be operating roughly $400 million in debt — others argue that the league has underinvested in its players for far too long.
“They’ve been milking our talent for decades now. It’s time to pay up,” said Brittney Griner. “The NBA didn’t get built overnight — but they sure didn’t do it on minimum wage.”
Sources close to the WNBPA suggest that multiple top players are prepared to sit out the 2025–2026 season if major changes aren’t implemented. With a sharp rise in fan engagement — thanks to stars like Reese, Caitlin Clark, and Sabrina Ionescu — the league is under mounting pressure to act.
Fan support appears to be on the players’ side. Social media is ablaze with hashtags like #PayThem, #EqualPayNow, and #1MillionMinimum, as fans echo the belief that WNBA stars have earned more than just applause.
Sponsors are watching, too. Brands that have leaned into women’s sports — such as Nike, Gatorade, and Google — are increasingly expected to take a stance.
The WNBA finds itself at a critical turning point. It can either invest in its players and accelerate the league’s growth — or risk a player-driven shutdown that could stall its recent momentum.
This isn’t just about dollars. It’s about recognition. It’s about sustainability. And it’s about time.
As one fan posted after the All-Star Game:
“If you can’t afford to pay your stars what they’re worth, maybe you can’t afford to run a league.”
The players have made their move. The ball is now in the league’s court.
