LeBron James Made His Feelings on WNBA Pay Clear Amid Caitlin Clark Dig
LeBron James has already made his feelings on WNBA pay clear amid Caitlin Clark dig.
The row over salaries has dominated women's basketball for months, with negotiations still ongoing over a new collective bargaining agreement. But the dispute was reignited following comments from Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier.
After her side's defeat to the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA semi-finals, Collier used her post-match interview to hit out at the league's commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Collier said: “I also asked how she planned to fix the fact that players like Caitlin, Angel and Paige, who are clearly driving massive revenue for the league, are making so little for their first four years.
“Her response was, ‘Caitlin should be grateful she makes $60 million off the court because without the platform the WNBA gives her, she wouldn't make anything.’"
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How much do WNBA players earn?
There is a huge divide in pay between the men's and women's basketball leagues.
Under the WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement, which is set to expire at the end of October, players are entitled to 25 per cent of profits, but only if the league meets its annual revenue targets.
According to IndyStar, that means the best players can earn up to $250,000 per year, while rookies start on salaries of around $72,000.
By contrast, NBA, stars are entitled to 50 per cent of all revenue generated regardless of whether targets are met.
What does LeBron James think about WNBA pay?
James has been vocal in the past about the need to address the pay divide. Back in 2017, while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, he wore black shoes with the word 'equality' written in gold across the heel.
In 2022, he spoke about Brittney Griner's decision to play basketball overseas in Russia during the WNBA off-season, as the salaries can be more than four times better.
James said: "They’re like, 'I miss everything that they have in America, but like, this pay raise over here, I’m not coming back over to this s***."
The 40-year-old has also praised the new wave of WNBA stars, describing Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark as 'icons' in an interview with ESPN in 2024.
He added that he does not believe there is much difference between the men's and women's games at college level.
The 40-year-old said: "You're able to build a real iconic legacy at a program.
"And that's what we all love about it. That's what we all love. We love the girl's game because of that moment you actually get to see those girls."
Topics: Lebron James, WNBA, Basketball, LA Lakers
James Taylor