Denver Nuggets small forward Michael Porter Jr. recently shared his perspective on the pay discrepancy between NBA and WNBA players. In an interview on “The Pivot” podcast, Porter Jr. acknowledged that the WNBA does not have the same level of audience and TV deals as the NBA, resulting in lower earnings for female professional basketball players. While he advocates for the respect and talent of women in the sport, he believes that equal pay is not feasible due to the differences in revenue. However, he does suggest finding ways for WNBA players to make additional income, as they are highly skilled athletes.
Despite Porter Jr.’s reasonable comments, many people chose to ridicule him for his viewpoint. It is worth noting that most WNBA players actually agree with him. Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum expressed her belief that WNBA players should not earn the same salaries as NBA superstars but should receive a fair share of revenue. She highlighted the issue of not receiving any compensation from the sales of their jerseys, emphasizing the need for a more equitable distribution of profits.
While it may seem straightforward to address these concerns, the financial dynamics behind the scenes complicate matters. The NBA subsidizes the WNBA to ensure its existence, as the league has historically incurred significant losses. To mitigate these losses, the NBA has established a revenue-sharing agreement with the WNBA. However, this agreement is contingent on the WNBA reaching a revenue target set before each season. Only after surpassing this target does the WNBA receive a 50-50 split with the NBA, which is then shared with the players.
This arrangement, although fair given the financial challenges faced by the WNBA, highlights the risky investment nature of the league. If the WNBA fails to meet the revenue target, all the money goes to cover the NBA’s investment. On the other hand, if the WNBA exceeds the target, the surplus is divided between the NBA and the players. Considering the financial struggles of the WNBA, this agreement ensures a level of funding that is not often seen in businesses operating at a loss.
While it is reasonable to explore additional avenues for WNBA players to earn extra income outside of playing, it is essential to recognize the significant role the NBA plays in supporting the WNBA. Without the NBA’s backing, the WNBA would not exist, creating an even wider pay gap for female professional basketball players.
