WNBA All-Star bonuses highlight stark gender pay gap

The WNBA recently revealed their lineup for the 2024 All-Star game, which is set to take place this July 20th at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. This elite roster, decided through a combination of fan votes, player votes, and input from sportswriters and broadcasters, is eagerly anticipated.

It’s not just about bragging rights for the 12 players selected; they also receive a bonus for their participation. One standout is Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, who make the All-Star squad in her rookie year.

The bonus for being selected as a WNBA All-Star is $2,575, which seems impressive until you compare it to the earnings of NBA All-Stars. The difference is staggering. In 2018, the NBA increased the bonus for its All-Star winners to $100,000, with players on the losing team still taking home $25,000. This means that WNBA All-Stars earn only around 10% of what losing men’s roster players do.

The MVP of the WNBA All-Star game takes home $5,150, while winners of the 3-point contest and skills competition each earn $2,575. Participants in these contests earn $1,030. In contrast, the NBA offers a significantly higher prize money for similar contests, with the 3-point contest and skills competition winners each receiving $50,000.

WNBA’s growing popularity signals hope for player salary boost

Despite the stark difference in earnings between the WNBA and NBA, there is hope on the horizon for WNBA players. With the league experiencing an increase in popularity, attendance, and viewership, a rise in income for players seems imminent. However, this will likely require negotiations through a new collective bargaining agreement.

Josh Peter of USA Today has predicted that the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) will opt out of the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) before the Nov. 1 deadline. This move is expected to bring about significant changes and potentially increased earnings for WNBA players.

As the WNBA continues to grow and gain traction in the sports world, it’s clear that the players are ready to fight for the compensation they deserve. With the upcoming negotiations and potential changes on the horizon, it’s an exciting time for the future of women’s basketball.

What time is the WNBA All-Star game 2024?

The USWNT and Team WNBA will tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET. The ABC network will be in charge of the transmission. The broadcast will begin at 8:00 p.m. with a countdown and pre-game analysis.

With Clark and Reese sharing a team and the added attraction of facing the USWNT, the WNBA All-Star Game is sure to be one of the most-watched sporting events of the year.