Breanna Stewart Addresses WNBA Salary Concerns, Acknowledges Progress Will Take Time

In an exclusive interview on April 24, 2024, New York Liberty star player Breanna Stewart commented on the ongoing discourse surrounding WNBA player salaries. The reigning WNBA MVP and three-time award winner acknowledged that while change will take time, progress is being made to address the pay disparity between the WNBA and other professional sports leagues.

Stewart emphasized the importance of continuing to advocate for fair compensation and recognition for WNBA players, who are among the best athletes in the world. "While the WNBA has made progress, there is still a lot of work to be done to achieve pay equity with the NBA," Stewart noted. "The WNBA is a much younger league compared to other professional sports leagues, and the ecosystem around the WNBA needs to continue to drive revenue growth."

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert also addressed the issue, stating that WNBA players have the potential to earn significant income through endorsements, in addition to their WNBA salaries. Engelbert expressed optimism about the WNBA's growing viewership and attendance, and the league's efforts to secure better media rights deals to increase the visibility and value of women's sports.

Stewart believes the league's continued success on the court and off-court opportunities will help drive change. Engelbert has stated that expanding the number of teams and building an economic model to support higher salaries and benefits is crucial. The influx of star players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Kamilla Cardoso entering the league is expected to increase viewership and attendance, which should lead to a larger revenue pool for all players.

Why this matters: The ongoing debate about WNBA player salaries highlights the persistent gender pay gap in professional sports. As one of the most prominent voices in women's basketball, Breanna Stewart's comments shed light on the challenges and opportunities facing the WNBA in its pursuit of fair compensation and recognition for its players.

Stewart's interview comes amidst growing calls for pay equity in women's sports. Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, is set to make a base salary of $76,535 as a rookie, which has sparked outrage over the pay disparity compared to her male counterparts in the NBA. The WNBA currently makes an estimated $60 million annually from media rights and licensing deals, while the NBA is expected to strike a <a href="https://www.informnny.com/sports/ap-caitlin-clark-is

Key Takeaways

• Breanna Stewart advocates for fair WNBA player compensation and recognition.
• WNBA Commissioner Engelbert cites endorsement income and media deals as revenue sources.
• Influx of star players like Caitlin Clark expected to boost WNBA viewership and attendance.
• Caitlin Clark's $76,535 rookie salary sparks outrage over pay disparity with NBA.
• WNBA generates $60M annually from media rights, while NBA expects a lucrative new deal.