The WNBA is celebrating its 28th season, and is seeing all time growth. Yet, debate continues over the true worth of the best women’s players in the world.

In 2024, All-Stars Caitlyn Clark and Angel debuted in a historic NCAA Championship matchup. Dallas Wings Guard and fellow All-Star Paige Bueckers also shined against USC’s Juju Watkins.

The ascension of young rising stars has grown the overall value of the league. The league has already announced to expand to 18 teams by 2030. Expansion teams in Detroit, Cleveland, and Philadelphia will join the league.

The WNBA is experiencing huge growth in revenue. Each expansion team payed the $250 million expansion fee. The league also signed an 11-year, $2.2 billion media rights deal. Averaging $200 million per year for the league.

The players are asking for a bigger piece of the pie. The current revenue split sees the players take away 9.3% of the league’s total revenue. Over 40 players met with WNBA leadership during All-Star Weekend for continued negotiations.

“Players have more power than ever in the history of women’s sports right now,” WNBPA Vice President Napheesa Collier said. “And I think we know that.” The players are using their newfound power to speak up for what they feel is deserved.

The popularity of the league has continued to grow. The Caitlyn Clark effect is real. But Clark has only played in 13 of 25 games for the Indiana Fever this season. Clark was still voted as a captain for the WNBA All-Star game, did not play due to injury.

The highest average attendance in the WNBA goes to the Golden State Valkyries. Golden State has sold out every single home game this season.

The two sides are still far apart on a deal. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said she is “really optimistic that we’ll get something done that’ll be transformational.” Collective bargaining negotiations are set to continue throughout the season and into the offseason.

WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike explained that the league’s proposal includes a fixed revenue share. The players are asking for a percentage that grows as the league grows.