Ridiculous numbers I heard about the WNBA (salaries)

The overall highest amount for this current year that a WNBA player can make is 97,500/year.

The salary cap for 2008/09 is 800, 000. Yes, let that sink in. That's how much a TEAM has to spend on a full roster.

Someone did the calculation out, and since there are 13 WNBA teams and the cap is at 803,000, if every team was maxed out, the entire league's salaries combined would be a little over 10 million/year. Stephon Marbury for comparison's sake makes twice the amount of every WNBA player combined for an entire season. WOW... If I ever have a daughter, i'm gonna encourage her to stay in school.

[QUOTE=haterofhaters]The overall highest amount for this current year that a WNBA player can make is 97,500/year.

The salary cap for 2008/09 is 800, 000. Yes, let that sink in. That's how much a TEAM has to spend on a full roster.

Someone did the calculation out, and since there are 13 WNBA teams and the cap is at 803,000, if every team was maxed out, the entire league's salaries combined would be a little over 10 million/year. Stephon Marbury for comparison's sake makes twice the amount of every WNBA player combined for an entire season. WOW... If I ever have a daughter, i'm gonna encourage her to stay in school.[/QUOTE]

Before you learned this you wouldn't have encouraged her to stay in school?? Instead encouraged her to not study and defy the odds and become a professional basketball player??

I didn't find that shocking at all. :oldlol:

I find it shocking they are making that much... who watches the WNBA?

[QUOTE=BankShot]Before you learned this you wouldn't have encouraged her to stay in school?? Instead encouraged her to not study and defy the odds and become a professional basketball player??[/QUOTE]
No, but are you comprehending that they are making peanuts as pro-athletes? If the best of the best makes 97 grand, the #1 draft pick makes 44 grand, imagine what the scrubs make. :oldlol:

[QUOTE=haterofhaters]If I ever have a daughter, i'm gonna encourage her to stay in school.[/QUOTE]

In today's economy, that is not surprising. I don't even think the WNBA will be around, in 10-12 years, from now. The sport is just not played at a high level, for people to care, to watch, or to spend their hard earn money on merchandise.

Also, I doubt many of these WNBA players actually went pro, to earn hundreds of thousands of dollars. I think most of them just love to play basketball. If they are doing what they love, and are able to support themselves, then who cares about salaries.

But yeah... WNBA(to me at least) is boring to watch. I would rather watch Tiger Woods playing golf than WNBA. Why? Because Tiger Woods is playing on a high level. A level that only a few people can actually obtain. The WNBA players play at a level that many, many people can obtain(especially males).

Think about it like this. Candace Parker's career earnings (at least from salary) might never reach 1 year of Sheldon Williams.

[QUOTE=Foster5k]In today's economy, that is not surprising. I don't even think the WNBA will be around, in 10-12 years, from now. The sport is just not played at a high level, for people to care, to watch, or to spend their hard earn money on merchandise.

Also, I doubt many of these WNBA players actually went pro, to earn hundreds of thousands of dollars. I think most of them just love to play basketball. If they are doing what they love, and are able to support themselves, then who cares about salaries.

But yeah... WNBA(to me at least) is boring to watch. I would rather watch Tiger Woods playing golf than WNBA. Why? Because Tiger Woods is playing on a high level. A level that only a few people can actually obtain. The WNBA players play at a level that many, many people can obtain(especially males).[/QUOTE]


Your post was a perfect example of exponential decay. I think I'm going to save this conversation for future references. You went from stating a solid opinion and thoughtful insight to ignorant. Jeez what a drop-off. I'm disgusted I read this post. You're just a ignorant sexist... Let the flaming continue :hammerhead: :hammerhead:

[QUOTE=haterofhaters]No, but are you comprehending that they are making peanuts as pro-athletes? If the best of the best makes 97 grand, the #1 draft pick makes 44 grand, imagine what the scrubs make. :oldlol:[/QUOTE]

Am i comprehending that they don't make much money?? Absolutely.

Is this the first time i've read this, or am I surprised at all they make so little? Absolutely not.

Salaries are relative to the revenue created by the teams and the league through ticket sales, merchandising, sponsorships, and media deals, which I'd guess to be slightly above NOTHING.

ridiculous alright, they should be earning half that :P

Oh, this isn't a woman's rights thread whatsoever. In fact, I can say that beginning to end I haven't watched one full WNBA game. It was just merely something that I saw today and said wow...

[QUOTE=haterofhaters]Think about it like this. Candace Parker's career earnings (at least from salary) might never reach 1 year of Sheldon Williams.[/QUOTE]
:roll: I honestly think they should trade places.
Candace Parker to the NBA
Sheldon Williams to the WNBA.. or the Zoo.

[QUOTE=sonicman]I find it shocking they are making that much... who watches the WNBA?[/QUOTE]
Lesbians. Or better yet, dykes. Butch lesbians.

[QUOTE=imdaman99]Lesbians. Or better yet, dykes. Butch lesbians.[/QUOTE]

Its like ISH is a breeding ground for ignorance.... wait a minute Ignorance Spawning Hole

Anyways, maybe just women that like basketball??

Or maybe parents of daughters who are into basketball that would rather have their daughters watching players who actually relish the opportunity to be role models, instead of players making a big shot and "juggling their balls" (Cassell, Kobe, Odom).

Just because you'd rather watch the NBA than the WNBA doesn't mean that everyone has the same preference. Personally, I've never watched a WNBA game in my life but there's still a place for it without getting bullsh*t from people like you.

when that league starts to turn a profit, gets massive TV deals and sells a ton of merchandise, the women will make more money. Its as simple as that.

BTW, what moron thinks maxing out at $97,000 to play a damn kids game is unfair?

The minimum they can make is $34,000. The Ls average is $45,000.

They only play 34 games.

they are fairly compensated.

and BTW, I'd LOVE to make $34,000 to play 34 games of ball a year.

[QUOTE=sonicman]I find it shocking they are making that much... who watches the WNBA?[/QUOTE]
:roll: :roll:

honestly, i think they are grossly underpaid. their boobies jiggle up and down and stuff when they run up the court and that must be extremely annoying.

okay, but to be serious, i do think they are extremely underpaid. i probably have a different opinion than most though, as my mom's best friend (whom i am very close to) has been a huge fan of the wnba since day one, and i would usually watch LA sparks games with her. honestly, i think they're terrific athletes and the games were actually really fun to watch. if you really don't think they play on a high level, try actually watching a game, i think you'll be surprised. they're professional athletes and they're excellent at what they do. making approximately 50k per year compared to their male counterparts where the absolute ****tiest players make tons more than that for playing maybe 3 minutes a game if their team is up by 20 with 5 minutes left in the fourth quarter is ridiculous.

The WNBA loses about 12 million dollars a year. Every year. For the past decade.

Let's put some things into perspective people.

[quote=kentatm]when that league starts to turn a profit, gets massive TV deals and sells a ton of merchandise, the women will make more money. Its as simple as that.

BTW, what moron thinks maxing out at $97,000 to play a damn kids game is unfair?

The minimum they can make is $34,000. The Ls average is $45,000.

They only play 34 games.

they are fairly compensated.

and BTW, I'd LOVE to make $34,000 to play 34 games of ball a year.[/quote]
Exactly what I was thinking.

I've once read that top players like Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, etc plays in Europe during WNBA off season and earning much higher salary there (with additional facilities : housing, car with driver)

Since european league has foreign players quota, many of them somehow manage to obtain european countries passport to qualify as "local players".
That's explained why Becky Hammond is now a Russian national team players.

[QUOTE=Djax12]I've once read that top players like Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, etc plays in Europe during WNBA off season and earning much higher salary there (with additional facilities : housing, car with driver)[/QUOTE]



Good point. They all play overseas and do quite well. You have to also factor in how short the WNBA season is. Just playing in the WNBA ensures that those girls get good gigs playing overseas where they get paid over eight months, then can make some money in the summers playing in the WNBA....not a bad summer gig..which is all it is.

I heard that Lisa Leslie rakes in close to a million with all of her endorsements and stuff.

[QUOTE=kentatm]when that league starts to turn a profit, gets massive TV deals and sells a ton of merchandise, the women will make more money. Its as simple as that.

BTW, what moron thinks maxing out at $97,000 to play a damn kids game is unfair?

[B]The minimum they can make is $34,000. The Ls average is $45,000.

They only play 34 games.

they are fairly compensated. [/B]

and BTW, I'd LOVE to make $34,000 to play 34 games of ball a year.[/QUOTE]

My thoughts exactly. I do make more than that, but I would gladly trade my salary for that amount if I only had to work 34 days a year. It's freakin' basketball.

[QUOTE=The Magic Man]My thoughts exactly. I do make more than that, but I would gladly trade my salary for that amount if I only had to work 34 days a year. It's freakin' basketball.[/QUOTE]
I'm pretty sure most of them have to have jobs during the off-season. 34 grand isn't a lot to live off of for a year. Especially if you have a family to support.

[URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXT0OCm6bA4"]This sums up the WNBA best[/URL]

I really feel for the WNBA. I like Candace Parker and actually watched a few Sparks games. They are really far away from being anywhere close to exciting. I enjoy the college games way more if that makes any sense. Its probably the crowds.

At this pace they wont be around too much longer. Thats sad but it is what it is.

[QUOTE=haterofhaters]I'm pretty sure most of them have to have jobs during the off-season. 34 grand isn't a lot to live off of for a year. Especially if you have a family to support.[/QUOTE]


That's my point. It's not like they are working 365 for that amount. There are other things to do to supplement your income. It's like cheerleaders. They don't make crap. They all work when not shakin it at home games.

My dad used to work the docks in Ontario back in the late-50s/early-60s with NHL players from the Maple Leafs (and CFL players too) who needed an off-season job to supplement their income. Off-season jobs used to be very common in pro sports, it has only been recently that salaries have gotten high enough to allow them to rest during the off-season.

[QUOTE=The Magic Man]That's my point. It's not like they are working 365 for that amount. There are other things to do to supplement your income. It's like cheerleaders. They don't make crap. They all work when not shakin it at home games.[/QUOTE]
The funny thing is, cheerleaders (at least NBA cheerleaders) probably get paid at least as much as most WNBA players, and some who model on the side make significantly more than that.

Even the lowest earning players, pulling down $34k a year don't have it so bad. I know all sorts of people who are worse off than that financially. I also know plenty of people who earn a lot more than that, but would trade places in a second.

Playing basketball for a living and making enough so that you can afford to eat and hold an apartment? Compared to 99% of humans on planet earth, that is a pure dream lifestyle.

The #1 pick in the draft makes 44 grand, so if 45k is the league average, then it must suck to ascend to the top of your sport and still get paid the same as some random scrub.

[QUOTE=Quizno]honestly, i think they are grossly underpaid. their boobies jiggle up and down and stuff when they run up the court and that must be extremely annoying.

okay, but to be serious, i do think they are extremely underpaid. i probably have a different opinion than most though, as my mom's best friend (whom i am very close to) has been a huge fan of the wnba since day one, and i would usually watch LA sparks games with her. honestly, i think they're terrific athletes and the games were actually really fun to watch. if you really don't think they play on a high level, try actually watching a game, i think you'll be surprised. they're professional athletes and they're excellent at what they do. making approximately 50k per year compared to their male counterparts where the absolute ****tiest players make tons more than that for playing maybe 3 minutes a game if their team is up by 20 with 5 minutes left in the fourth quarter is ridiculous.[/QUOTE]

does your mom's friend pay $97,650 a ticket? If not, NO they are not underpaid. No one cares, no one is willing to pay big money to see them. People pay money to see Lebron, that is why he gets big money. People don't pay money to see teh WNBA, it loses money. I don't care if they want to win so badly that they take out knives during the game and stab each other, there is no way a league that is basically at this point a charity endevour by the cities that have teams can claim to have "underpaid" players.

[QUOTE=sonicman]I find it shocking they are making that much... who watches the WNBA?[/QUOTE]

Actually, the real questoin is, where is it even televised? Maybe we just don't get games in Cleveland because the Rockers are gone?

Mathius

[QUOTE=Mathius]Actually, the real questoin is, where is it even televised? Maybe we just don't get games in Cleveland because the Rockers are gone?

Mathius[/QUOTE]
I know they've had some WNBA games on ESPN and ESPN2.. I have no idea about local games though. I know MSG shows some NY Liberty games, but I can't say I know about anywhere else.

[QUOTE=BankShot]Before you learned this you wouldn't have encouraged her to stay in school?? Instead encouraged her to not study and defy the odds and become a professional basketball player??[/QUOTE]

Sage words.

[QUOTE=Valliant13]Sage words.[/QUOTE]
:oldlol: wow guys, it was clearly a joke.. I guess the humor is lost because it's for some reason a sensitive topic for people on this board.

Much to my annoyance, the NBA channel shows them all the time. It also makes their daily nba show almost the WNBA highlight show. So if you are all inkling for some poorly played bball, get the nba channel asap.

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXT0OCm6bA4[/url]
That's for the fan to decide.

BTW, this is it right? They are folding i heard...13th and last season.

I just found this, a few more details (according to wiki) I don't know how accurate it is:

[QUOTE]Many WNBA players choose to supplement their salaries by playing in European or Australian women's basketball leagues during the WNBA off-season. In 2008, a new six-year collective bargaining agreement was agreed upon between the players and the league. The salary cap for an entire team in 2008 is $772,000. By 2013 (the sixth year under this agreement), the cap for an entire team will be $900,000. The minimum salary for a player with three-plus years of experience is $50,000 while the maximum salary for a six-plus year player is $97,500. The minimum salary for rookies picked in: first round- $36,353, second round- $35,000, third round- $34,500.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE]Media Coverage

Currently, WNBA games are televised throughout the U.S. by ABC, ESPN2 and NBA TV. In the early years two women's-oriented networks, Lifetime and Oxygen, also broadcast games including the first game of the WNBA. NBC showed games from 1997 to 2002 as part of their NBA on NBC coverage before the league transferred the rights to ABC/ESPN.

In June 2007, the WNBA signed a contract extension with ABC. The new television deal runs from 2009 to 2016. A minimum of 18 games will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 each season; the rights to broadcast the first regular season game and the All-Star game are held by ABC. Additionally, a minimum of 11 postseason games will be broadcast on any of the three stations.

Along with this deal, came the first ever rights fees to be paid to a women's professional sports league. Over the eight years of the contract, "millions and millions of dollars" will be "dispersed to the league's teams."[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE]Merchandise

In 2008, league merchandise sales were up more than 36%, and WNBA jersey sales were up more than 46%, based on combined sales from the NBA Store and WNBAStore.com.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE][edit] Attendance

Overall, league attendance was about 8,000 people per game in 2008. Attendance has gone up and down but has climbed slightly in the last two years. Attendance was at its peak in the league's second season (1998) at almost 11,000 fans per game, and the all time league average is 8,400 fans per game. [6]

* There were 46 sellouts in 2008, almost triple the 17 for the 2007 regular season and double the previous record of 23 in 2004.[/QUOTE]


[QUOTE]Viewership

Saturday and Sunday afternoon games are broadcast on ABC. Tuesday night games are broadcast on ESPN2. On opening day (May 17, 2008), ABC broadcast the Los Angeles Sparks and Phoenix Mercury matchup. The game received a little over 1 million viewers. Average viewership for games broadcast on national television was 413,000 (up from 346,000 in 2007).[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]
In 2008, the WNBA finished up in key demos on ESPN2 -- Women 18-34 (+71%) and Men 18-34 (+28%) – and on ABC -- All Women (+10%) and Women 18-34 (+20%). [7][/QUOTE]