In a recent appearance on The Pivot Podcast, New York Liberty forward and 2024 WNBA Finals MVP Jonquel Jones addressed misconceptions regarding WNBA players’ salary expectations. Jones clarified that players are not seeking NBA-level salaries but are advocating for a similar revenue-sharing model, stating, “We’re not saying we want to be paid like NBA players. We’re saying we want the same percentages as NBA players.” SI.com:
“Maybe I’ll be able to reap the benefits of that while I’m playing, but I know that when I leave the league, these young bucks that are going to be coming in after me… overseas what? They don’t have to do that.”
Currently, NBA players receive approximately 50% of league revenue, while WNBA players receive around 20%. Jones emphasized the importance of aligning WNBA players’ compensation with the league’s growth, noting that increased viewership and television coverage should translate to higher earnings for players. She expressed hope that future players might not need to play overseas to supplement their income, stating, “Maybe I’ll be able to reap the benefits of that while I’m playing, but I know that when I leave the league, these young bucks that are going to be coming in after me… overseas what? They don’t have to do that.”
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