Diana Taurasi Slams WNBA Pay Gap in Explosive Documentary Comments

WNBA legend Diana Taurasi has sharply criticized the league’s player compensation. Her comments appear in a new documentary series on Amazon Prime Video. The Phoenix Mercury star did not hold back her frustrations about salary disparities.

WNBA Superstar Exposes Shocking Pay Disparity

Diana Taurasi directly compared her WNBA earnings to her international salary. She stated that Russian teams paid her over $1 million annually. This dramatically exceeded her WNBA compensation throughout her career.

According to salary data, Taurasi’s highest WNBA salary was $234,936. This occurred during her final two seasons. Her total WNBA earnings over twenty years were less than $2 million.

International Play Provided Financial Security

Taurasi played for Russian teams from 2005 to 2010. She returned to Russia for the 2012 season. These international contracts fundamentally changed her financial situation.

In 2015, a Russian team paid Taurasi $1.5 million. This was to skip the WNBA season entirely. The offer highlighted the vast pay difference between leagues.

Her international earnings reached an estimated $7-8 million. This represents most of her career basketball income. According to Reuters, this pattern affects many WNBA players.

Endorsements Outpaced League Salary

Taurasi’s endorsement deals also exceeded her WNBA pay. BodyArmor reportedly paid her $1.35 million. This single deal was worth more than multiple WNBA seasons.

She had additional partnerships with Nike and State Farm. These sponsorships provided significant income. They further highlighted the league’s compensation challenges.

Many WNBA players pursue overseas opportunities during the offseason. This allows them to maximize their earning potential. The current system makes this necessary for financial stability.

The ongoing pay disparity discussion continues to shape the WNBA’s future. League officials and players remain in negotiations for better compensation. Diana Taurasi’s comments have brought renewed attention to this critical issue.

Info at your fingertips

How much did Diana Taurasi make in the WNBA?

Her total WNBA earnings were under $2 million over twenty seasons. Her highest single-season salary was $234,936 during her final years.

Why did Diana Taurasi play in Russia?

Russian teams paid her over $1 million per season. This was significantly more than her WNBA salary at the time.

How much do WNBA players make today?

Top WNBA players now earn around $250,000 annually. The league minimum is approximately $80,000 for rookie contracts.

Do WNBA players play overseas?

Many WNBA players compete internationally during the offseason. This helps them supplement their income significantly.

What is the WNBA pay gap compared to the NBA?

The average WNBA salary is about 1.5% of the average NBA salary. This significant disparity has been widely discussed.

Trusted Sources: Associated Press, Reuters, ESPN, The Athletic