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What readers think about the pay gap between WNBA and NBA players
"Hopefully Caitlin Clark will start the change that’s needed to get more people interested in the WNBA."
With the number one pick in the WNBA draft, the Indiana Fever recently selected University of Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark, marking the end of her record-breaking college years and the beginning of more eyes on women’s basketball.
Clark’s dominance on the court has brought increased views to the NCAA’s women’s tournament. Nearly 19 million people tuned into the championship game between Iowa and South Carolina, according to ESPN. The game peaked at 24.1 million viewers, making it the most-viewed women’s college basketball game ever and the most-viewed college basketball game broadcast by ESPN.
When Clark’s base salary of $76,535 was revealed, many compared it to the base salary of the number one pick for the NBA draft — just over $10.5 million — including politicians.
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In a post on X, Lori Trahan, a U.S. representative for Massachusetts’s 3rd congressional district and former Division I athlete, called the pay gap “beyond outrageous” and called for immediate action to “dismantle” the gap and “give women equal opportunity.”
President Joe Biden had the same thought, saying that “it’s time that we give our daughters the same opportunities as our sons and ensure women are paid what they deserve.”
Women in sports continue to push new boundaries and inspire us all.
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 16, 2024
But right now we’re seeing that even if you’re the best, women are not paid their fair share.
It’s time that we give our daughters the same opportunities as our sons and ensure women are paid what they deserve.
The majority (81%) of the 583 readers who responded to our informal poll disagreed with Trahan’s statement.
Do you agree with U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan?
Yes.
11%
No.
82%
It depends.
8%
Most of the readers who answered “no” reasoned that the wage gap is not due to players’ sex, but due to the differences in revenue between the NBA and WNBA.
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“It’s all about the league revenue that covers the salaries. If the WNBA has the money to pay, then pay,” said Dave from Woburn. “I understand they had great numbers for the playoffs but it’s all about the money. As the league makes more, the players get more.”
Below, see what readers had to say about the wage gap between WNBA and NBA players and draft picks.
Some quotes have been edited for length and clarity.
‘It is pure economics’
“Any WNBA player’s salary is reflective of the revenue that the league generates. These salaries will rise, if the momentum that Clark brings with her, continues. The comparison is apples and oranges. She will make millions in endorsements because of her individual popularity.” — Steve, North Andover
“It is pure economics. The WNBA does not make as much money to pay their players as the NBA does.” — Thomas W., Danvers
“Rep. Trahan’s comments are just plain silly. Salary is determined by the value of the work, which, in the case of the WNBA, is constrained by the number of people who watch their games. That number is a FRACTION of the number of people who watch NBA games.” — Dale G., Gloucester
“It’s not as simple as men versus women. The NBA simply makes more money than the WNBA, and as a result the salaries are higher.” — Joe, Medford
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“WNBA players don’t make less than NBA players because they are women. They are paid less because of the huge difference in revenue that is generated by the two leagues. This seems too obvious to have to point out.” — Dan, Virginia
I’m definitely for women getting paid as much as possible. A number one pick should be a millionaire. However, the WNBA does not generate the revenue that the NBA does. — Robert D., Roxbury
“I agree that the salary stated for Caitlin Clark of $76,535 is too small; however, to say that the player pay in the WNBA should be equal to the NBA is probably not possible based on the WNBA league/team revenue? Hopefully that changes!” — Andrew, Needham
“I’m very supportive of female athletes. However, she is being paid based on what the league brings in. The WNBA doesn’t have nearly as many fans as the NBA. Hopefully Caitlin Clark will start the change that’s needed to get more people interested in the WNBA.” — Karen P., Wakefield
‘Let it be equal’
“If they bring in the crowds then yes! She clearly is bringing in the viewership! Pay gap should be dismantled for all if you are doing the same job!” — LD, Boston
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“It is absolutely ridiculous to see women athletes making less than $100,000 compared to the obscene money men make. That said, more women/girls (and men) need to support the WNBA and the league needs a serious PR makeover. More games is good if more pay goes with it.” — VPF, Arlington
“It’s 2024 not 1924.” — Fred, Bedford
“Let it be equal. If professional male athletes are going to be paid ridiculously large salaries to play with a ball on TV, then women should be paid (and promoted) according to similar standards.” — Chelsea P., Charlestown
“NBA players are paid MUCH too high. Raise the WNBA pay to 6 figures and lower the NBA pay to match it.” — Wayne, Tewksbury
“It’s not fair to pay someone more money based on their gender. Never has been and never will be.” — Casey, Somerville
‘It’s not as cut and dry’
“I think two things can be true at the same time. WNBA players like Caitlin Clark are not paid what they deserve for their talents but NBA players are grossly overpaid for what they do at the same time.” — Josh, Allston
“I agree that the overall revenue-sharing structure between the NBA and WNBA should be similar so that women have a level playing field. However, politicians must remember that the NBA is still much more popular and generates significantly higher revenue than the WNBA. This popularity and revenue gap in the basketball market must be addressed if the WNBA players are to get their fair share.” — Jeff W., Framingham
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“The gap in pay is outrageous of course but a major part of the reason is the difference in league revenues. If the WNBA had the advertising, stadium and TV deals the NBA has, then the players salaries should be similar — but they don’t.” — Ben, Scituate
“The WNBA’s lower revenue, compared to the NBA, is the reason for the pay disparity between the WNBA and NBA. I do not know how we ‘dismantle the gender pay gap’ when there is simply is not enough dollars in the WNBA to pay players $10 million+.” — Rich, MetroWest
“I don’t know how much revenue the WNBA generates and this plays a major role on what owners can pay the players. The NBA is super rich.” — Eddy, Randolph
“I mean, if the support (interest) is not there from fans and thus TV deals, the money isn’t either. Teams can’t just pay people top buck if they aren’t taking in the revenue to begin with…I do agree women get the short end of the stick often but it’s not as cut and dry as just paying them more. Whose pocket is it coming out of?” — Willy, Melrose
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