WNBA Players on Minimum Contracts: Struggles and Strengths Behind the Scenes

PHOENIX – Sug Sutton, a former guard for the Phoenix Mercury, reflects on the drive to improve and excel while navigating the challenges associated with being on a minimum-contract. The conversation around financial stability in the WNBA became more apparent when Liz Dixon, a forward with the Mercury, expressed her concerns about living on a one-year, $64,154 deal, which offers little security.

Dixon articulated the struggles faced by players on minimal contracts, noting that teams often opt to acquire new talent at the same pay rate. This leaves players wondering about their value and future with the team.

After being waived five days following her comments, Dixon was re-signed by the Mercury in early July. However, she shares her experience with fellow players like Natasha Mack, Mikiah Herbert-Harrigan, and Sutton, who all grapple with the uncertainties tied to minimum salaries.

Sutton, who was traded to the Washington Mystics in late August, acknowledges the pressure of proving worth in the league. She also cited her family struggles and the need to provide support, exacerbated by the financial constraints of her contract.

While the WNBA minimum salary is set to rise to $70,103 by 2027, it still pales in comparison to the NBA’s minimum wage, which sits at over two million dollars for players with two years of experience.

Marcus Johnson, a financial advisor, pointed out that while $64,000 may be considered average for many, it is not a sufficient income for comfortable living, especially considering the high costs of living in the Phoenix area.

Mack reminisces about her impoverished upbringing and the limitations it imposed, saying her experiences have instilled a profound appreciation for her current position within the league, regardless of her salary. She emphasizes the importance of budgeting smartly with her earnings to cover basic expenses.

Herbert-Harrigan adds that balancing motherhood with her professional commitments presents unique challenges, particularly when competing for roster spots and playing overseas can yield considerably more income.

Many WNBA players supplement their income by playing overseas during the offseason, drastically increasing their earnings compared to their league salaries. This necessity has been underscored by players like Natasha Cloud, who emphasized the need for league leadership to address the financial disparities faced by minimum-contract athletes in future collective bargaining agreements.

Cloud, once a minimum-salary player herself, underscores the significance of mastering one’s role in the team as a means to achieve financial stability and recognition within the league. She advises players to understand how they can contribute effectively to their teams to enhance their career longevity.

Sutton sees her contract as motivation for self-improvement, while Dixon leverages her situation to foster communication and personal growth. They aim to stay grounded amidst the pressures of their contracts, taking guidance from family and faith to navigate the uncertainties that come with playing at the minimum salary in the WNBA.

Mack emphasizes the importance of faith and a positive outlook, recognizing that every player has their own unique journey within the league. She urges her peers to concentrate on their individual paths, rather than comparing themselves to others, and to understand their value and influence on the team.

Cloud wants those on minimum contracts to know that their contributions are appreciated and essential to the fabric of the league, encouraging them to feel seen and recognized for their vital role in the WNBA.

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