There was this interesting story about how WNBA players all wore a shirt with the phrase “Pay Us What You Owe Us” where it seems to be a call for the league to raise their pay closer to what the male athletes in the NBA receive. It’s not uncommon to see NBA players making million-dollar contracts as an example and apparently in the WNBA a six figure salary per year seems to be the ceiling. Of course, there is the key issue on how the WNBA reportedly loses about $50 million per season due to the lack of popularity. Therefore, are these players out of line which is the debate?
This isn’t like a regular job either as technically these players are contractors. A lot of entertainment industry related work like these can often be similar to other jobs where it’s less stable. However, you do have an opportunity to potentially earn more with the exposure you get for being a part of these types of roles. But again, are they out of line or is it warranted to say bump up their pay like what people in the NBA get?
I’m inclined to say business wise they need to get the league to a level of profitability before people can start demanding for NBA players type of pay. If anything, the league would simply close if it continues at this rate with those numbers as they fundamentally can’t sustain the business without subsidies. Most people would be terrified of being unemployed with those numbers.