Former Phoenix Mercury guard Sug Sutton, known for her impactful play off the bench, draws motivation from her contract to strive for improvement and excellence.
PHOENIX – On June 27, Liz Dixon found herself discussing the challenges of living on a minimum WNBA contract while seated on a furniture top in the hallway of the Verizon 5G Performance Center. She felt exposure and uncertainty regarding her one-year deal worth $64,154, which offered limited security.
Just days later, on July 2, the Mercury decided to waive Dixon.
“It’s tough because teams can easily replace players on minimal contracts,” Dixon noted. “I’m already earning less than others, but there’s always that worry of being needed. They can opt for another veteran at the same cost as a newcomer, which makes you question your value.”
Though the Mercury re-signed Dixon in early July, fellow players Natasha Mack, Mikiah Herbert-Harrigan, and former guard Sug Sutton share similar sentiments regarding their minimum salary contracts.
“I think every player feels pressure associated with the minimum salary in the WNBA,” Sutton explained, following her trade to the Washington Mystics in late August.
Sutton admitted that comparisons to other players and worries about job security weighed heavily on her. However, her challenges are often tied to her family’s well-being.
“I come from a background where some of my family members aren’t doing so well. Sometimes, I feel the need to help them out, which can be difficult on a minimum salary in the WNBA.”
Even though the WNBA minimum contract is set to rise from $64,154 to $70,103 by 2027, a roughly 23% increase from 2020, it still pales in comparison to the NBA. NBA players with two years of experience earn just over $2 million, a figure expected to climb to nearly $2.8 million by 2027.
The WNBA launched in 1996, years after the NBA, and while some see comparisons between the two leagues’ salaries as unfair, it doesn’t address the challenges faced by players on minimum contracts.
Marcus Johnson, vice president of investment management at Johnson Financial Advisors, mentioned that while $64,000 is considered average for many in Phoenix, it doesn’t lead to a comfortable life.
Mack recalled her upbringing in Lufkin, Texas, where her family often struggled financially. She learned to appreciate her current situation despite the low salary, stating, “It taught me how to make things work.”
“It’s about prioritizing your expenses; you have to cover gas and food while being grateful that rent isn’t a burden right now. You soon realize that budgeting is essential,” Mack shared.
Herbert-Harrigan expressed the challenges of balancing her professional career with motherhood after giving birth to her son in October 2021. “To make a WNBA roster takes immense effort, and earning the minimum is tough. I’ve had to look at overseas opportunities for higher pay,” she acknowledged.
Many WNBA players supplement their income by playing abroad during the offseason, capitalizing on the higher salaries available overseas. Sutton, Dixon, Harrigan, and Mack have all taken this route.
Johnson referred to the WNBA’s salary cap decisions as a business strategy, while Mercury guard Natasha Cloud highlighted the progress made through the collective bargaining agreement in 2020. However, she emphasized the need for the league to consider the welfare of players on minimum contracts in the upcoming $200 million CBA deal set to take effect in 2026.
“It’s not just about the players; we need the league to step up and address minimum salary concerns,” Cloud stated. “The league consists not only of top-tier televised players but also those on minimal contracts who represent a significant portion of it.”
Cloud, who began her career as a minimum-salary player, believes that success lies in players understanding and excelling in their roles.
“For middle-tier players, salary issues persist because teams can’t afford adequate salaries. You need to focus on excelling in your role to make a lasting impact,” she advised.
Sutton recognizes her role as a player who can energize the team off the bench. Although her contract does not reflect her worth, she uses it as inspiration to enhance her performance. “My contract pushes me to improve and reach my goals,” she said. “I hold myself to high standards and aim to grow continually.”
Dixon also sees her contract as an opportunity for reflection. “It leads me to engage with my support system and ask the necessary questions about my growth,” she explained.
In times of anxiety related to her contract status, Dixon turns to her family for reassurance. “They remind me to stay present and enjoy the journey because you never know how long it will last,” she reflected.
Mack, reflecting on her childhood challenges, finds solace in her faith during difficult times. “Having faith is pivotal. My family taught me to trust that things will work out, even in tough circumstances. I approach each day as it comes, focusing on the present,” she said.
Mack understands that each player’s journey is unique, regardless of salary. “Everyone’s path differs; I can’t compare my progress to those with more accolades. I have to make a mark wherever I go.”
Cloud wants those on minimum contracts to feel valued and respected within the league. “I want them to know they are appreciated and are a crucial part of this league. They deserve recognition for their contributions.”