Torment for 2022 WNBA Champion as Ex-LV Aces Star Unlids on $30,000 Unpaid Wages & Other Hardships of Overseas

“For me financially I feel like it’s good it could be better.” Jonquel Jones had echoed just days after celebrating her WNBA Championship win about a concern that’s been a hot topic among players. Many athletes in the league have long argued that their pay doesn’t reflect their value, pushing them to seek opportunities beyond the border to make up for what they feel is lacking. However, now, another former Las Vegas Aces star is bringing this issue back into the spotlight only to reveal darker reality on those overseas money making contracts.

Aisha Sheppard, who played her rookie season with the Las Vegas Aces, recently took to social media to address a significant issue in women’s basketball: the inefficient pay structure. Her message underscored the tough reality that many players face—having to chase higher-paying opportunities overseas to make ends meet. Unfortunately, even then, financial challenges persist. Posting a heartfelt note on X, she captioned it simply, “Let’s finally talk about it.”

Interestingly, Sheppard’s post wasn’t a direct critique of the WNBA, but rather an indirect look at the struggles athletes face overseas. She highlighted the harsh realities of playing abroad—the same unreliable pay structure, compounded by the mental strain and challenging living conditions. Her message included:

“The daily realities of life abroad can be difficult-living in subpar conditions like mold, unreliable appliances, and lack of basic amenities. One of the biggest issues, however, is the unreliable payment structure. I’ve faced delays ranging from a month and a half without pay to an eight-month stretch without any compensation at all. Despite constant communication with clubs, the situation often goes unresolved. Currently, I’m in a legal battle to recover over $30,000 in unpaid wages from one of these clubs.”

It’s surprising—and concerning—that even the overseas leagues, where players head primarily for better pay, aren’t consistently delivering on their financial promises. Sheppard, had made her WNBA debut in 2022, where she featured in 23 games, not starting any and averaging 1.5 points on the road and won 2022 title with the team. However, the Virginia Tech all-time leading scorer was waived off a year later and has only remained away from the stage since then.

Since leaving the WNBA, Sheppard has been exploring her basketball career across Europe, as she shared in her recent post. The talented guard has suited up for clubs in Turkey, Spain, and Poland, gaining international experience while chasing more stable opportunities. Her Instagram also reveals a stint in Mexico, highlighting her willingness to adapt and take her talents wherever the game can support her journey.

“This situation is not unique to me, and it’s time we bring more attention to the realities of playing overseas. The system needs change, and it’s time to hold those responsible accountable. I just want to hoop and make that little girl in me that fell in love with the game smile again…” she concluded her message demanding for a change. Despite these challenges, Sheppard isn’t alone—many players have once again opted for overseas contracts this year, driven by the need for financial stability.

WNBA players seek better opportunities abroad as financial challenges persist

“We were told there would be team and league marketing agreements, but they’ve fallen short. If I make a choice to make more money overseas, teams get upset, but that’s just how it is.” After taking a significant break before rejoining the league, the former Seattle Storm star, Gabby Williams, opted to step away once more at the end of the season, highlighting the difficult choices players face when it comes to staying in the WNBA versus pursuing better financial opportunities abroad.

Well, while Williams is still a French athlete, there are many domestic athletes whose preferences have highlighted their need to overcome the low pay rolled out by WNBA. The end of this season saw rookies like Nika Muhl and Kamilla Cardoso head overseas, with Muhl playing in Europe and Cardoso signing in Asia, both in search of more lucrative contracts. Even seasoned players are following suit—Indiana Fever veteran Kelsey Mitchell is currently playing in China’s WCBA league.

Jonquel Jones, a key player in the New York Liberty’s first-ever championship win, recently shared, “Obviously I still play overseas um and I still make way more money overseas than I do um in the WNBA or with my marketing if that was combined, I still make way more money.”

Yet, Jones also expressed a hope for the future, “I want players to be able to not have to go overseas and be able to make that type of money here you know in the US with their families and loved ones so yeah I think that’s the growing point.” 

Now, With Aisha Sheppard, the former Aces rookie, shedding light on the struggles athletes face abroad, the conversation around financial challenges in women’s basketball can probably gain more attention. As the debate grows, the question remains: will solutions finally be put forward? Only time will tell.