Despite being miles behind the NBA when it comes to salaries, the WNBA are making positive progress.
The gap between NBA and WNBA pay has always been staggering. While NBA superstars routinely lock in $50 million a year, WNBA players were capped at just a fraction of that, largely because they were only getting a tiny slice of league revenue compared to the NBA’s 50-50 split.
That all shifted with the landmark CBA deal signed in March 2026. The new agreement gave players a true revenue-sharing model and bumped average salaries up to nearly $600,000, with top stars now clearing well over $1 million. It completely changed what earning a big contract looks like in women’s basketball.
However, there’s still a long way to go before things are where they should be.
Sophie Cunningham’s first purchase after her new WNBA contract
Sophie Cunningham landed a one-year, $665,000 contract with the Indiana Fever.
It’s always fascinating to see what WNBA stars spend their money on, and according to ESPN, Fever guard Sophie Cunningham purchased a VRBO in Arizona.
For those who don’t know, VRBO is an online marketplace that connects travelers with homeowners renting out short-term holiday properties.
She explained her investment here: “I’m about to probably buy one in Nashville and Florida, and so I’m just starting to make a business outside of the court. It’s good, it’s fun. 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.”
“I think it’s a long time coming, but now you have to be smart with that money. You can’t just go out and blow it all or not invest. I think it allows all of us to kind of grow and be businesswomen.”
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