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Despite the decades of conversation surrounding WNBA finances and base salaries being stuck on a loop, and getting pushed to “playing overseas” to make ends meet, women’s sports kept getting ignored. But as we close out 2025, that narrative is slowly getting rewritten. The WNBA’s value in 2025 skyrocketed, and at an 180% surge, was estimated at around $3.5 billion. The league’s wealthiest stars aren’t just basketball players, they are corporate entities. Thanks to a perfect storm of the “Caitlin Clark effect” and a massive pivot by brands like Nike, Puma, and Reebok to prioritize women’s signature lines, the league positioned itself as one of the biggest leagues in the world. It’s no longer about whether these women can make a living, it’s about how they’re building legacies that rival their NBA counterparts.According to Forbes reports, the top 20 athletes in 2025 earned more than 72% of their income from off-the-field gigs, while the Male athletes earned 71% of their income from their salaries. Though the disparity between their paychecks remains a jarring reminder but if continued at the same pace, the WNBA can also reach the same level as that of the NBA.
1. Caitlin Clark
As per Forbes, Caitlin Clark has an estimated net worth of $12.1 million, with $12 million coming from off-court deals and the rest from the humble rookie salary $78K. Clark’s influence didn’t just bring in an influx of views, she is also breaking the league’s glass ceiling for endorsements. After getting drafted by Fever as the first overall pick in 2024, Clark signed an 8-year, $28 million contract with Nike, including a signature shoe. She also boasts a massive brand portfolio that includes State Farm, Gatorade, and Wilson. She is the first player to turn collegiate NIL momentum into a true professional empire.
2. Sabrina Ionescu
Making it to the Forbes’ list of the world’s highest paid female athletes 2025, Sabrina Inoescu sits at #13 with a $10.5 million empire. While her base salary of $200k plus potential incentives is public record, Sabrina’s true wealth comes from her successful sneakers, Sabrina 1 and Sabrina 2, which have famously crossed over to be worn by dozens of NBA stars. Sabrina and Nike partnered up in 2020 over a multi-year deal worth $24 million.
3. Angel Reese: The Branding Genius
The “Chi Barbie” during her Instagram live joked that her WNBA salary “don’t pay my bills at all.” And, maybe she’s probably right. Currently signed on a 4-year contract worth $324,383, Angel Reese gets an average annual salary of $81K. As per Forbes estimates, Angel Reese has a net value of $9.4 million, with most of the earnings coming from endorsement and brand deals. From her Reebok shoe deal under Shaq’s leadership to partnerships with Hershey’s, Cash App, McDonald’s, and Beats by Dre, she has proven that social media influence is just as valuable as a jump shot.
4. Paige Bueckers
The first overall pick from the 2025 WNBA draft is yet another young name on the list. With an estimated $9.1 million net worth, as per Forbes, Bueckers is building her brand strong and tall. She was named the 2025 Rookie of the Year, scoring 70-of-72 votes, all due to her 19.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists with 47.7% field shooting in 36 games. Due to her exceptional talent and great marketability, Bueckers remains one of the most demanded players for endorsement. From joining Unrivaled, Nike, Gatorade, Dunkin’, Bose, to Crocs, Bueckers’ brand portfolio cements her position as one of the best in women’s sports marketing.
5. Breanna Stewart
Brenna Stewart is WNBA’s 14th highest-paid player in 2025 with $208,400, which is slightly more than last year. Earning additional bonuses all thanks to the Olympic gold medal, Stewarts’ bank account truly caught up when she signed with Puma. Valued at roughly $5 million, her wealth is anchored by her signature line: Stewie. This has become a staple in hoops culture. Between her New York Liberty contract and international investments, she remains one of the most financially stable veterans in the game.
6. Brittney Griner
As per Celebrity Net Worth, Brittney Griner’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be $5 million. She signed a 1-year, $214,466 contract with Dream for 2025, which will offer maximum flexibility for the 2026 season CBA negotiations with a significant raise. After her historic move to the Atlanta Dream in early 2025, Griner’s marketability saw a fresh domestic surge. Combined with years of top-tier deals with Nike, Gatorade, and T-Mobile, shows her status as a global icon. Also read: 6 Active NBA and WNBA players with signature shoe lines: LeBron James, A’ja Wilson, and more
