Former Phoenix Mercury guard Sug Sutton, celebrated for her energetic performances, is using her contract as a driving force to enhance her skills and succeed.
Recently, fellow player Liz Dixon expressed to media her struggles with the challenges of a WNBA minimum contract, worth $64,154 for just one year, which offers little security. After being waived by the Mercury shortly after sharing her concerns, Dixon reflected on the precarious nature of such contracts.
“The hardship is that teams can easily replace players on minimum contracts,” Dixon noted. “You’re already being paid less, and if they need someone else, they can bring in another veteran for the same price as a rookie.”
The Mercury later re-signed Dixon, but players like Natasha Mack, Mikiah Herbert-Harrigan, and Sug Sutton face similar challenges under minimum contracts. Sutton, who was recently traded to the Washington Mystics, acknowledged the pressures that come with a lower salary in the league.
“The pressure is always there with a minimum salary,” Sutton said. She highlighted her personal struggles, noting the difficulties of supporting her family on her current income.
While the WNBA minimum salary is set to rise to $70,103 by 2027, it still pales in comparison to the NBA’s minimum salary, which can reach over $2 million for players with experience. Comparisons between the two leagues are common but often overlook the disparities caused by their different histories and revenue.
Marcus Johnson, an investment management expert, pointed out that although $64,000 may be an average salary in Phoenix, it does not equate to a comfortable lifestyle. Mack, who grew up in poverty, shared how her background has influenced her current outlook, emphasizing her resourcefulness even with a lower salary.
“It’s tough because you have to budget carefully for gas and food,” Mack explained. “You learn to be smart with your money when your income is limited.”
Herbert-Harrigan, who is also balancing motherhood and her basketball career, described the additional challenges of making a WNBA roster and pursuing overseas opportunities to earn better pay.
The league’s players often turn to international play during the offseason, allowing them to earn significantly more than their WNBA salaries. Johnson referred to the current financial situation as a “business decision” made by the league, urging attention to this issue in upcoming labor negotiations.
Natasha Cloud, a Mercury guard, highlighted the need for the league to prioritize the players on minimum contracts, emphasizing their critical contribution to the WNBA’s overall success. She believes that players must find and excel in their roles to secure better financial rewards in the future.
“Mastering your role is crucial,” Cloud advised. “That’s what gets you paid.”
Sutton knows her role as a key contributor off the bench and sees her contract as motivation for continuous improvement. Dixon also strives to use her situation as a catalyst for open discussion with her support system.
Family support remains vital for players facing the emotional toll of contractual pressures. Mack emphasized the importance of faith and taking life one day at a time, recognizing that everyone’s journey in the league is unique.
Cloud’s message for players on minimum contracts is one of appreciation and acknowledgment, assuring them that their contributions are valued and that they are an essential part of the league’s makeup.