The lowest salary for a WNBA player is $62,285.
This figure applies to players with 0-2 years of experience in the league, as defined by the WNBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The WNBA sets different minimum salaries based on a player's years of service to ensure a structured pay scale.
WNBA Minimum Salary Tiers
The WNBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) outlines specific minimum salaries that players must be paid, which vary based on their professional experience. For the 2023 season, these minimums are:
- Players with 0-2 Years of Service (YOS): The minimum salary for these players is $62,285. This typically applies to rookies and second-year players, representing the absolute lowest salary in the league.
- Players with 3+ Years of Service (YOS): More experienced players, those with three or more years in the league, have a higher minimum salary of $74,305.
These minimums are part of a broader salary structure that also includes maximum salaries for the league's top-tier players.
Understanding WNBA Salary Structure
The WNBA's salary cap and individual player salaries are determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiated between the league and the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA). This agreement aims to provide fair compensation and opportunities for players while ensuring the league's financial sustainability.
Here's a brief overview of key salary figures for the 2023 WNBA season as outlined by the CBA:
| Salary Type | 2023 Value |
|---|---|
| Player Supermaximum (for top players) | $234,936 |
| Player Maximum | $202,154 |
| Player Minimum (3+ YOS) | $74,305 |
| Player Minimum (0-2 YOS) | $62,285 |
For more detailed information on WNBA player salaries and the salary cap, resources like Her Hoop Stats provide comprehensive data and analyses.
