By the 2019 season, the WNBA was entering a new era of financial visibility, with top players securing salaries that reflected their impact on and off the court. The highest paid WNBA player in 2019 commanded a total compensation package that combined performance bonuses, endorsements, and a league-maximum base salary, setting a benchmark for future contracts.
Understanding who earned the most in 2019 and how that figure was constructed helps contextualize the league's growth, evolving revenue streams, and the professionalization of women's basketball careers.
| Player | Team | Base Salary (2019) | Total Compensation (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breanna Stewart | Seattle Storm | $117,500 | $140,000–$160,000 |
| Diana Taurasi | Phoenix Mercury | $105,000 | $125,000–$140,000 |
| Candace Parker | Los Angeles Sparks | $100,000 | $120,000–$140,000 |
| Sue Bird | Seattle Storm | $100,000 | $120,000–$135,000 |
| Rebekkah Brunson | Minnesota Lynx | $98,000 | $115,000–$130,000 |
Player Profile Leading 2019 Earnings
Breanna Stewart stood at the center of the 2019 WNBA landscape, having just completed her first season in Seattle after drafting first overall out of UConn. Her combination of scoring, defense, and brand power made her the natural recipient of the league's highest salary that year, reinforced by off-court partnerships and a growing national profile.
Salary Structure and Context
The 2019 top salary was not a sudden spike but the result of collective bargaining, television deals, and corporate interest in women's sports. The league maximum was tied to revenue growth and structured to reward veteran leadership while investing in younger talent. Bonuses for making the All-Star game or achieving statistical milestones often pushed total earnings well above the base number.
Comparisons with Past Seasons
When placed beside earlier years, the 2019 compensation levels signaled a turning point for the WNBA. Players who entered the league before 2019 saw gradual increases, while new superstars negotiated contracts that aligned more closely with their impact. This shift helped narrow the gap between the highest paid WNBA player and counterparts in international leagues and even some overseas men's competitions.
On-Court Impact and Market Value
On the court, the highest paid players in 2019 drove win probability and attendance figures. Teams that featured a marquee name saw increased ticket sales, media coverage, and sponsorship interest. The market validated the investment, as stars like Stewart and Taurasi became central figures in promotional campaigns and community initiatives that extended beyond game days.
Industry Outlook and Key Takeaways
- 2019 marked a compensation milestone for the highest paid WNBA player, driven by league-wide revenue growth.
- Performance, marketability, and off-court partnerships all contributed to total earnings beyond the base salary.
- Top earners like Breanna Stewart raised the visibility of the league and influenced future contract negotiations.
- Comparisons with international leagues showed increasing parity in how star players were valued.
- Continued investment in media rights and sponsorships is likely to push salary ceilings higher in subsequent seasons.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who was the highest paid WNBA player in 2019 and what was her salary?
Breanna Stewart was the highest paid WNBA player in 2019, with a base salary of $117,500 and total estimated compensation in the range of $140,000 to $160,000.
Did teammates of the highest paid player in 209 earn comparable amounts?
Several teammates of Breanna Stewart, including Sue Bird and Candace Parker, earned base salaries around $100,000 to $105,000, with total compensation packages in the same upper tier as Stewart's.
What factors contributed to the high salary of the 2019 top WNBA earner?
The salary reflected increased league revenue from media deals, corporate sponsorships focused on women's sports, and Stewart's individual performance, marketability, and influence as a generational talent.
How did the 2019 top salary compare to earlier years in the WNBA?
It represented a notable increase over previous maximums, highlighting the league's continued financial growth and the rising professional value of its most accomplished players.