NEW YORK (AP) In a significant development within the realm of women's basketball, Paige Bueckers, the highly anticipated prospect, is poised to receive a base salary of just over $78,000 following her selection as the presumptive No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft set for Monday. This salary aligns closely with that earned by Caitlin Clark, last years top draft pick, highlighting ongoing discussions surrounding player compensation in the WNBA.

The conversation about player salaries has reached fever pitch as the league and the players' union engage in negotiations ahead of the expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement next season. It has been made clear by players that if their demands for higher salaries are not met, there could potentially be a lockout, a situation that no party desires but remains a possibility.

Napheesa Collier, vice president of the WNBA Players Union, expressed the concerns of the players during a recent appearance on the talk show We Need to Talk. She stated, No one wants a lockout, but the players are prepared for any possibility right now. Collier further elaborated on the financial constraints faced by players, indicating that they receive a mere fraction of the overall revenue generated, which directly impacts their salaries. We get such a small percentage of revenue share right now that affects our salary, she noted. Were asking for a bigger cut of that, like more equitable to what the mens revenue share is.

Looking ahead, player salaries are anticipated to see substantial growth following a groundbreaking media rights deal signed by the WNBA last July, which is expected to bring in a minimum of $200 million annually. This lucrative agreement, set to take effect next year, raises the question of how much of a salary increase players will actually see, though it will not be reflected in the contracts for this years incoming rookies.

Bueckers, who has emerged as one of the most recognizable names in womens basketball, also boasts one of the highest name, image, and likeness (NIL) valuations in the sport. Her endorsements with major brands such as Nike, Gatorade, Bose, Verizon, and Dunkin are expected to continue flourishing into her professional career, further boosting her earnings potential beyond just her WNBA salary.

According to the WNBA rookie salary scale, if Bueckers is indeed the top pick as anticipated, her base salary of approximately $78,000 will be a significant stepping stone. In comparison, players selected later in the draftsuch as the 10th overall pickearn around $72,000. However, Bueckers and her fellow rookies could augment their income significantly through league and team marketing deals and performance bonuses, potentially increasing their total earnings to as high as $500,000.

In addition to Bueckers impending WNBA career, another league has recently emerged that is gaining traction and drawing attention: the inaugural season of a new 3-on-3 league founded by WNBA stars Collier and Breanna Stewart. This league, branded as Unrivaled, has received enthusiastic feedback from players, many of whom are enjoying the benefits of high salaries. The average salary for players in Unrivaled exceeds $220,000, which rivals the maximum base salary in the WNBA, indicating a shift in the landscape of professional womens sports.

As the WNBA prepares for negotiations over the collective bargaining agreement, the success of leagues like Unrivaled is likely to be a focal point in discussions aimed at improving player compensation.

An enduring issue remains the stark contrast between the salaries of WNBA and NBA players. Top-tier WNBA salaries are markedly lower compared to the NBAs minimum salary of approximately $1,157,153, excluding those on two-way contracts. This disparity can largely be attributed to differences in profit margins between the two leagues, primarily influenced by media rights. In 2022, the NBAs revenue surpassed $10 billion for the first time, bolstered by an impressive $76 billion media rights deal with Disney (ABC/ESPN), NBC, and Amazon Prime Video, set to commence next season. In stark contrast, the WNBA currently garners $60 million annually from broadcast deals, which is significantly less and for a shorter term.

As the landscape of womens professional basketball evolves, all eyes will be on the WNBA to see how it addresses these challenges and meets the demands of its players.