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Do WNBA Players Have Other Jobs?

Published in WNBA Player Careers 3 mins read

Yes, many WNBA players do have other jobs, often during the offseason, to supplement their income and support their livelihoods. This practice is common due to the significant salary disparities between the WNBA and other professional sports leagues, particularly the NBA.

Why WNBA Players Seek Additional Employment

The primary reason WNBA players often seek second jobs is financial necessity. While WNBA salaries have been increasing, they generally do not provide the same level of financial security or luxury as salaries in men's professional basketball leagues. As a result, many players find it necessary to work elsewhere to meet their financial obligations.

  • Paying Bills: For many, their WNBA salary alone is insufficient to comfortably cover living expenses throughout the year.
  • Supporting Families: Players often have families to support, and additional income helps provide for their needs.
  • Fulfilling Needs: Beyond basic bills, extra income allows players to save, invest, and maintain a certain quality of life. As one reference indicates, "There are many players that have second jobs so that they are able to pay bills, support their families, and fulfill their needs."

Common Types of Offseason Jobs

WNBA players engage in a variety of work during their offseason, ranging from continuing their basketball careers abroad to pursuing different professional paths.

  1. Playing Overseas: This is arguably the most common "second job" for WNBA players. Many players compete in international leagues in Europe, Asia, or Australia, where salaries can often surpass their WNBA earnings. This allows them to stay in peak physical condition and continue honing their skills while earning substantial income.
  2. Coaching: Some players leverage their extensive basketball knowledge by coaching at various levels, from youth leagues and high school teams to collegiate programs.
  3. Broadcasting and Media Roles: Given their public profile and expertise, some WNBA players secure roles as sports analysts, commentators, or hosts for media outlets.
  4. Entrepreneurship and Business Ventures: Players may start their own businesses, invest in existing ones, or use their platform to promote brands and products through endorsements.
  5. Community Work and Non-Profits: Many players are deeply involved in their communities, sometimes taking on paid roles with charitable organizations or launching their own foundations.
  6. Other Professional Careers: Some players hold degrees in various fields and may work in areas like teaching, marketing, or fitness instruction.

Salary Comparison: WNBA vs. NBA

To understand why supplementary income is crucial for WNBA players, it's helpful to look at the salary differences compared to the NBA.

Aspect WNBA (2024 Season) NBA (2023-2024 Season)
Minimum Salary ~$64,154 (for players with 0-2 years of service) ~$1.12 million (for players with 0 years of service)
Average Salary ~$110,000 - $120,000 (estimated) ~$10.8 million
Max Salary ~$241,984 (for top veteran players) ~$50 million+ (for top players)
Player Base Salary Cap ~$1.42 million (per team) ~$136 million (per team)

Source: WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement, NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement

As the table illustrates, the earning potential in the WNBA is significantly lower, making additional employment not just an option but often a necessity for many athletes.

Impact and Future Outlook

The need for WNBA players to work multiple jobs can impact their rest, training, and overall well-being. The constant travel for overseas play, for instance, can lead to fatigue and increase the risk of injuries.

However, recent collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) in the WNBA have aimed to increase player compensation, benefits, and marketing opportunities, reducing the immediate pressure for all players to seek extensive offseason work. While the landscape is improving, the reality for many WNBA players still involves strategically managing their careers to maximize income and secure their financial future.