The WNBA has a salary problem, and top sports agent Jeff Schwartz said it’s “clearly unfair to the players.”
Schwartz, the founder and operator of Excel Sports Management, told Alex Sherman in an interview with CNBC Sports that something has to change when it comes to compensation in the women’s basketball league.
“It’s ridiculous how much women get paid in the WNBA,” Schwartz said.
He will know. Schwartz’s firm represents more than 500 clients and has negotiated billions of dollars in athlete contracts over the years. Excel represents some of America’s greatest athletes, from Caitlin Clark to Tiger Woods, Peyton and Eli Manning.
Schwartz’s comments came as the WNBA Record-setting 2024 seasonIt broke ratings, attendance and merchandise records led by stars like Clark. However, the WNBA’s current salary range ranges from a league low of $64,154 to a high of $241,948. (Players also receive full benefits and may be eligible for bonus bonuses.)
Objectively speaking, in the NBA, League lowest According to statistics, the salary is now $1.15 million, and the average salary is more than $11 million Data comes from “Sports Reference”.
While many are quick to blame the WNBA for wage inequality, it’s not always the same. The NBA has been around for more than 75 years and has generated billions of dollars in corporate sponsorships. The WNBA is entering its 29th season, which is only four months out of the year.
Still a career woman pickleball player They now earn more than WNBA stars, with an average annual salary of $260,000, according to salary data from the United Pickleball Association.
October, WNBA players opt out of collective bargaining agreement to pursue larger payouts and other contract improvements. Players and the league have until 2027 to agree to updated terms.
The WNBA declined to comment.
Caitlin Clark during game No. 22 against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on September 15, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana The Dallas Wings brought the ball up the court.
Justin Castelin | Getty Images
Schwartz’s firm also represents Napheesa Collier, founder of the New Entrepreneurship Basketball League unparalleledalso commented on player fairness in sports. The 3-on-3 women’s basketball league will provide players with equity in the league as part of the Unrivaled compensation package.
The Unbeatables, which launched earlier this month, said its average player salary is the highest of any professional women’s sports league. According to an unnamed league source, the average salary for players in the league is more than $220,000.
Schwartz said he doesn’t think more established pro leagues will give up equity to players anytime soon, but for some newer leagues like Unrivaled, it makes sense.
“I think it’s a great thing for players to take ownership of what they do,” he said.
