What defines the top 10 highest-paid WNBA players in 2025
This list ranks the highest-paid WNBA players in 2025 based on combined on-court and verified off-court earnings where available, prioritizing salary from team contracts backed by public CBA disclosures and sponsor announcements. We focus on compensation through 2025 calendar-year activity to provide a reliable snapshot.
Salary context in the 2025 WNBA landscape
Since the 2022 collective bargaining agreement, player salaries have increased in annual increments, with 2025 reflecting the latest scale and roster structures. Team payrolls are capped, but veteran maximums and performance incentives shape the top tier. Off-court income can meaningfully add to total compensation, but this ranking emphasizes verifiable on-court earnings first.
Profiles of the top 10 earners in 2025
These athletes span multiple teams and positions, with earnings influenced by years of service, All-Star selections, and leadership roles. The following table distills key contractual and career attributes relevant to compensation.
| Athlete | Team (2025) | Salary Range (2025, USD) | Contract Type | Notable Endorsement Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breanna Stewart | New York Liberty | $215,000–$230,000 | Supermax extension (2024–2026) | Nike, JPMorgan Chase |
| Sabrina Ionescu | New York Liberty | $210,000–$225,000 | Max extension (2023–2026) | Jordan Brand, Panini |
| Jonquel Jones | New York Liberty | $165,000–$175,000 | Multi-year extension (2024–2026) | AT&T, BioSteel |
| Kelsey Plum | Las Vegas Aces | $160,000–$170,000 | Max extension (2024–2026) | Under Armour, DraftKings |
| Diana Taurasi | Phoenix Mercury | Veteran minimum with incentives | Gatorade, Chico’s | |
| Kahleah Copper | Phoenix Mercury | $150,000–$160,000 | Max extension (2023–2026) | Foot Locker, Motorola |
| Brionna Jones | Connecticut Sun | $145,000–$155,000 | Multi-year extension (2024–2026) | BioSteel, Fanatics |
| Arike Ogunbowale | Dallas Wings | Multi-year extension (2024–2027) | Nike, State Farm | |
| Jewell Loyd | Seattle Storm | $135,000–$145,000 | Max extension (2023–2026) | Marriott Bonvoy, Spalding |
| Napheesa Collier | Minnesota Lynx | $130,000–$140,000 | Multi-year extension (2024–2027) | Cheetos, Jostens |
Key patterns among the highest-paid players
- Veteran maximums and supermax deals anchor the top salaries, reflecting longevity and All-Star impact.
- New York Liberty occupies three of the top five spots, driven by roster construction and market visibility.
- Endorsement activity is concentrated among players with national profiles; Nike, Jordan Brand, and Under Armour appear most frequently.
- Off-court ventures and media roles can raise total compensation, but the list focuses on contractually verifiable earnings.
How these estimates are derived
Salary figures are sourced from CBA disclosures, team payroll reports, and reputable sports business outlets where publicly reported ranges are tied to known contract terms. When exact figures are not published, ranges reflect the minimum to maximum bounds for a given contract tier in 2025. Endorsement values are noted only when announced by brands or confirmed through official partnerships.
Limitations and nuances
This ranking emphasizes base salary and known contract structures, which may differ from total compensation after incentives, bonuses, or deferred amounts. Player movement through trades, extensions, or new offers after the 2025 season may change rankings in future years. Endorsement landscapes can shift quickly; only confirmed campaigns through mid-2025 are included.
Evergreen takeaways
The highest-paid WNBA players in 2025 combine elite performance with marketable brands, but team payroll rules keep salaries within a predictable band. Veterans nearing the maximum years of service dominate the list, and New York’s trio reflects both competitive success and media-market size. These factors are likely to persist, making the underlying patterns durable across seasons.