New women's sports leagues are addressing the financial and societal challenges faced by female athletes, as they continue to wrestle with systemic inequality and limited support. Despite their achievements, women in sports remain significantly underpaid compared to their male counterparts, making it difficult for them to secure stable futures and family planning. The emergence of leagues like 'Unrivaled', co-founded by WNBA stars, is changing the landscape by providing better salaries and opportunities for women, allowing them to stay competitive without needing to move overseas. However, the lengthy struggle for recognition in the sports community indicates that traditional leagues must adapt quickly to retain top talent and ensure the growth of women's sports.

By the Numbers
  • The WNBA generated an income of $60 million in 2022, while the NBA generated $10.58 billion.
  • The maximum salary for a player in the WNBA is about $220,000 for a two-month season.
  • Paige Bueckers, the first pick of the 2025 WNBA draft, will earn a base rookie salary of just over $78,000.
State of Play
  • Average career length for women in the WNBA is 3-5 years due to financial insecurity.
  • Side leagues, like 'Unrivaled', are offering higher salaries and competitive opportunities for female athletes.
What's Next

If traditional leagues do not evolve with improved pay and support systems, they risk losing talented athletes to emerging leagues and gaining momentum for change. This could lead to a broader restructuring of women's sports as athletes seek financial stability and better opportunities elsewhere.

Bottom Line

To ensure lasting success and equity in women's sports, existing leagues must invest in female athletes and adapt to new standards. The future of women's professional sports hinges on addressing pay disparity, increasing visibility, and providing essential support for athletes' dual careers.