WNBA Salary Surge: How Stars Invest & Splurge Now
WNBA Players Celebrate Historic Pay Raises: From Fun Splurges to Smart Investments
The Big News: A New Deal Changes Everything
Imagine working really hard at your job for years, and then one day, your boss says, "You’re doing such a great job that we’re going to pay you way more starting now!" That’s basically what happened for WNBA players in March 2025.
After more than a year of tough talks—where the players even considered not playing—a brand new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) was signed at the fancy Langham Hotel in New York City. A CBA is just a fancy term for the contract between the players’ union and the league that sets the rules for pay, benefits, and working conditions.
The result? Players got their first paychecks of the season with an average pay increase of 366%. That means if a player made $100,000 before, she might now make $466,000. Talk about a reason to celebrate!
Important Point: This wasn’t just about money. The new CBA also improved benefits, travel standards, maternity leave, and overall league-wide standards. It was a total game-changer for the players.
How Much More Money Are We Talking?
Let’s break down the numbers with some real examples. Remember, these are annual salaries for the 2026 season compared to 2025.
| Player | 2025 Salary | 2026 Salary | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Courtney Williams (Minnesota Lynx) | $180,000 | $1.19 million | 561.1% |
| Natisha Hiedeman (Seattle Storm) | ~$275,000* | ~$762,500* | 455.6% |
| Kiki Iriafen (Washington Mystics, Rookie) | Rookie scale | Higher rookie scale | Significant jump |
| Average across the league | Varies | Varies | 366% |
*Exact 2025 figures for Hiedeman estimated based on reported percentage increase.
In simple terms: Many players went from making "good money" to making life-changing, generational-wealth money almost overnight.
Meet the "StudBudz": Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman
Best friends and Minnesota Lynx teammates Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman are famous off the court too. They’re the "StudBudz"—a viral streaming duo who turned their All-Star weekend hangouts into a seven-figure brand business (featured in Forbes!).
When the big checks hit, they celebrated in very different—but very them—ways.
Courtney’s Celebration: "I Blew a Bag"
Courtney kept it 100% real with ESPN:
"I went to the strip club and blew a bag… No, I’m being dead serious. Like, that particular strip club will never see me for the rest of my life. Like, I did too much in there. Man, they probably know me by my name."
Translation: She had a very expensive, very memorable night out in Phoenix and has zero regrets.
Natisha’s Gift to Courtney: A 7-Foot Goku Statue
Natisha knew exactly what her anime-loving bestie wanted for her birthday: a custom, 7-foot-tall statue of Goku from Dragon Ball.
- It was so big they couldn’t fit it through the front door.
- Natisha admitted: "I ain’t gonna lie, I spent a little bit on that. They had to make it, ship it, do everything."
- They’ve since agreed: no more expensive gifts for each other. This was the grand finale.
Natisha’s Treat for Herself: A Diamond "NH" Medallion
Not to be outdone, Natisha commissioned a custom, jewel-encrusted medallion of her "NH" logo from Lords of Luxury near Seattle.
- It’s 3D, fist-sized, and hangs on a heavy chain.
- "It turned out better than I thought, for sure."
Other Players’ Fun Splurges: Cars, Bags, and Trucks
The "StudBudz" weren’t the only ones treating themselves. Here’s a snapshot of what other stars bought:
Kiki Iriafen (Washington Mystics, #4 Draft Pick)
- Purchase: Black Porsche Cayenne coupe with peanut butter interior.
- Must-have feature: Cheetah-print steering wheel (fashion maven approved).
- Smart move: "I definitely saved a lot, invested a lot… I finally did my 401(k) this year."
Lexie Hull (Indiana Fever)
- Purchase: Brand new Tesla.
Kierstan Bell (Las Vegas Aces)
- Shopping for: Luxury Genesis sedan.
- Secret desire: An oversized truck.
Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream, 4x All-Star)
- Purchase: Louis Vuitton crossbody bag (beige & green with front pouch + coin purse).
- Bonus: Matching Louis Vuitton perfume.
- Reasoning: "I had to get it."
Smart Money Moves: Saving, Investing, and Building Businesses
Here’s the best part: almost every player interviewed said they’re saving and investing too. They’re not just spending—they’re building wealth.
Real Estate Queens
- Marina Mabrey (Toronto Tempo): Scouting investment properties in up-and-coming areas.
- Sophie Cunningham (Indiana Fever): Bought a VRBO (vacation rental property) in Arizona.
- What’s a VRBO? It’s like Airbnb—you buy a vacation home, hire a company to manage it, and rent it out short-term.
- Her plan: Buy more in Nashville and Florida—places she wants to visit for free.
- "I’m trying to buy places that I want to go visit, so when I’m there, I don’t have to pay for it."
The Union’s Secret Weapon: Financial Education
This didn’t happen by accident. Before the players even opted out of the old CBA in 2024, union president Nneka Ogwumike made sure financial literacy was a priority.
In April 2025, the union partnered with J.P. Morgan Chase for a multi-year financial education program that includes:
- Year-round workshops (not just one-off seminars)
- Access to personal financial consultants
- Customized plans for every player—whether they’re 22 or 38
Kate Schoff (Head of Sports & Entertainment Marketing, J.P. Morgan Chase):
"The way we’ve approached it is less ‘Here’s the baseline’ and more ‘This is all personal to you.’ It helps create a person who feels more confident, more aware… and ultimately allows them to focus on their playing careers."
Balancing Fun and Future: What the Veterans Say
Nneka Ogwumike (Union President, Retiring After This Season)
Nneka practiced what she preached. Her big purchase? A hyperbaric chamber for recovery and performance (it lets you breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized tube—great for healing).
Her philosophy:
"I don’t believe in just holding on to your cash… you can’t take it when you’re gone, so you might as well enjoy it. Players deserve to use some of it to enjoy, but then also can still build for the future."
Other Veterans’ Approaches
| Player | Team | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Brittney Sykes | Toronto Tempo | Invests in career longevity tools (keeps specifics secret). Jokes: "All my money’s going to Uncle Sam!" (taxes) |
| Shakira Austin | Washington Mystics | Considering a personal chef (health = wealth). |
| Breanna Stewart & Jonquel Jones | MVPs | Bought luxury watches (classic investment pieces). |
| Stefanie Dolson | Seattle Storm | Saving for a wedding (engagement coming up!). "I don’t like to spend it on silly things." |
| Rebecca Allen | New York Liberty | Renovating her bathroom. |
| Allisha Gray | Atlanta Dream | Playing more golf at nicer courses. Admits: "I’m cheap." |
Summary: A New Era for Women’s Sports
The 2025 WNBA CBA didn’t just raise salaries—it changed the trajectory of players’ lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Average pay up 366% — life-changing money for athletes who’ve been underpaid for decades.
- Players are having FUN — strip clubs, Goku statues, Porsches, LV bags, diamond chains.
- Players are being SMART — 401(k)s, real estate, investment portfolios, business ventures.
- The union has their back — J.P. Morgan partnership provides ongoing, personalized financial education.
- Balance is the goal — Enjoy now, build for later. As Nneka said: "You deserve both."
This is what happens when women’s sports get the investment they’ve always deserved. The players aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving, investing, and building legacies.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What is a CBA and why does it matter?
A CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) is the contract negotiated between the players’ union (WNBPA) and the league (WNBA). It sets salaries, benefits, travel rules, maternity leave, revenue sharing, and more. The 2025 CBA was historic because it massively increased pay and improved working conditions after years of advocacy.
Where does the money come from for these huge raises?
The new CBA includes revenue sharing, increased media rights deals (like the new ESPN/Disney and Amazon contracts), sponsorship growth, and league expansion (hello, Toronto Tempo and Golden State Valkyries!). More money coming in = more money for players.
What’s a 401(k) and why did Kiki Iriafen mention it?
A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings account. You put in pre-tax money, it grows tax-free, and many employers match a percentage (free money!). Kiki was proud she finally enrolled—it’s one of the smartest first steps for any young pro athlete.
What is a VRBO and how does it make money?
VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner) is a platform like Airbnb. Sophie Cunningham bought a vacation home in Arizona, hires a management company to handle bookings/cleaning, and collects rental income. She plans to buy more in cities she visits—so she stays for free and makes money.
Do all WNBA players make millions now?
Not yet. The average increase was 366%, but salaries still vary by experience, role, and contract type. Rookies make less than veterans. Max contracts (for superstars) can exceed $200k–$300k per year under the new CBA, with top earners now cracking $1M+ annually. It’s a huge leap forward—but the gender pay gap vs. NBA remains vast.
This new era isn’t just about basketball. It’s about equity, empowerment, and economic freedom for women who’ve earned every penny—and then some.