The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is growing in many ways, like talent, viewership and the cultural impact that it is making, but the paychecks still haven’t caught up. Many would suspect that because it is a professional sport, they would make a similar amount of money to others. 

The numbers make this problem very clear. For example, Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, signed her rookie contract of $78,831 according to Yahoo Sports. In comparison, the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) top pick, Cooper Flagg will earn $13.83 million just from his first season, reported by CBS Sports. 

While the NBA has a much higher viewership and popularity, WNBA views are currently at an all time high. In 2024, the top draft pick, Caitlin Clark, made a huge contribution to the growth of viewers.

According to Front Office Sports, the WNBA is averaging around 794,000 viewers across networks this season. Whether you believe this is due to Caitlin Clark or Paige Bueckers, you can’t deny the new popularity of the league. 

As someone who got into watching women’s basketball around 2021, I have noticed the significant rise in popularity. Even if it’s just watching a game on TV, the whole atmosphere in those arenas has changed. The growth has even caused them to be able to expand and create more teams, like the Golden State Valkyries and three more confirmed teams to come in upcoming seasons.

While this is a positive outcome for the league, they’re expanding and adding more teams without fixing the current issues on hand, like fair pay. WNBA players aren’t asking for NBA-level contracts, but the current pay undervalues their contributions and talent. If the league is truly serious about its growth, they should start considering fairer salaries for their stars.

In a recent press conference, Minnesota Lynx forward, Napheesa Collier called for a change in the current leadership, specifically the WNBA commissioner, Cathy Engelbert. Collier, who’s been one of the league’s most respected voices for nearly six years, spoke out about the lack of communication from the leadership of the league. One of the points she made was frustration that players’ concerns weren’t being taken seriously enough.

REUTERS/via SNO Sites/David Gonzales

Sep 17, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) celebrates after a basket against the Golden State Valkryies in the third quarter in game two of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

In her statement to the league, “For too long, I’ve tried to have these conversations in private, but it’s clear there’s no intention of accepting there’s a problem,” Collier said.

Collier is emphasizing the delay in contract equality by calling on leadership to step up and give the players what they’re asking for. With this, numerous players around the league have spoken up to agree with Collier, supporting her statement and bravery.

Chicago Sky star Angel Reese was one of the many who used their platform to show support. “10/10. No notes!” Reese posted on X.

I personally agree with the players in the league who voice their frustrations. This was a necessary step to bring equality and awareness to women’s sports. For far too long, women athletes have been told to be patient and grateful for what they have. The WNBA has proven that there is a massive audience that cares, watches and invests in these players. The league can’t claim progress while leaving its players behind.