Breanna Stewart Advocates for Equitable Pay and Improved Benefits in the WNBA

Two-time WNBA champion Breanna Stewart expresses optimism for future improvements in player compensation and benefits within the league. She emphasizes the importance of both on-court excellence and strategic off-court efforts to drive meaningful change.

Two-time WNBA champion Breanna Stewart has spoken out about her hopes for sweeping changes in the league's pay scale and overall benefits package. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Stewart remains optimistic about the potential for significant progress in the future.

In an interview with People, Stewart outlined her vision for a more equitable and sustainable WNBA. She believes that a combination of continued on-court excellence and strategic off-court initiatives will be crucial in driving meaningful change.

"We have to continue to be great on the court and take advantage of the things happening off the court," said Stewart. "You can talk about opportunities for pensions and charters and all these things, but it's not something that's going to change overnight."

Stewart's comments come in the wake of the 2024 WNBA Draft, which saw former Iowa basketball sensation Caitlin Clark selected as the top overall pick by the Indiana Fever. Clark's high-profile signing has brought renewed attention to the issue of player compensation in the league.

The average WNBA salary currently stands at around $120,000, significantly less than the average NBA salary of approximately $10 million. This disparity has led to ongoing discussions about the need for improved pay, benefits, and working conditions for WNBA players.

Stewart, who has earned over $5 million in her WNBA career, acknowledged that the path to achieving salary parity with the NBA is likely to be gradual. However, she remains hopeful that collective efforts within the league can lead to substantial progress over time.

"It's not going to be easy, but we're not going to stop talking about it and we're not going to stop pushing for it," said Stewart. "We're going to continue to work hard and we're going to continue to demand more."

Beyond pay equity, Stewart also expressed her support for improved benefits such as pensions and charter flights for WNBA teams. She emphasized the importance of creating a comprehensive support system for players that ensures their well-being and financial security both during and after their playing careers.

"We're athletes first and foremost, but we're also women and we're human beings," said Stewart. "We deserve to be treated with respect and we deserve to have the same opportunities as our male counterparts."

Stewart's advocacy for improved player compensation and benefits is a reflection of her commitment to the growth and sustainability of the WNBA. As one of the league's most decorated and outspoken players, she is using her platform to raise awareness about important issues and inspire change.