Thirty years ago, the WNBA tipped off its first season with no salary cap in sight. Players earned as little as $15,000, with the biggest stars—think Cynthia Cooper, Lisa Leslie, Rebecca Lobo, and Sheryl Swoopes—topping out around $50,000. The excitement was electric, but so was the skepticism. Would the league survive? Would anyone tune in? Was it just a novelty, destined to fade? And how could it possibly stay afloat financially?
Fast forward to today, and those doubts feel like ancient history. Women’s basketball—and women’s sports overall—is a booming business. The WNBA’s growth has been nothing short of explosive, hitting a new peak this offseason with a landmark collective bargaining agreement. For the first time, player salaries are breaking the $1 million mark, and the average salary is closing in on $600,000. Let that sink in: the top individual salaries this season are worth more than an entire team’s salary cap just a few years ago, before 2023.
This financial leap comes as the WNBA broadcasts every game this season, and NCAA women’s basketball keeps shattering viewership records. The momentum is undeniable, and fandom is expanding faster than ever.
At The Athletic, we’re staying ahead of the curve. We know fans are hungry for more coverage, and we’re committed to delivering it with depth and insight. Women’s basketball has never been dull, but now the news cycle churns year-round. From front-office moves and free-agency chaos to eye-catching trades and league expansion in the pros, plus NIL deals, transfer drama, and the coaching carousel in college—we’ve got it all covered.
There’s no offseason for the players, and there’s no offseason for our women’s basketball team. We’re doubling down with big additions. Joining national writers Chantel Jennings and Sabreena Merchant, Annie Costabile is our newest reporter. Based in New York, Costabile brings a knack for breaking news and sharp analysis to the mix. Together with hosts Zena Keita and Layshia Clarendon, they’ll deliver fresh takes on our podcast, No Offseason, dropping every Tuesday.
Whether you’re tracking the WNBA’s historic payday or following college stars on the rise, we’re here to bring you closer to the game you love—and the gear that lets you play it.