The biggest WNBA contract to date belongs to reigning MVP and four-time WNBA champion Candace Parker, who in 2020 signed a multi-year extension with the Los Angeles Sparks. The exact terms of the contract have not been publicly disclosed, but it is believed to be the largest in WNBA history.
Parker, who was the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft, has spent her entire professional career with the Sparks. In her 12 seasons with the team, she has established herself as one of the best players in the league, earning MVP honors in 2008 and 2013, as well as being selected to the All-WNBA First Team on five occasions.
Despite her individual accomplishments, Parker has also been a key contributor to the team’s success, helping the Sparks win WNBA championships in 2016 and 2020. Her signing of the largest WNBA contract shows the teams appreciation of her invaluable contribution on the court and in the community.
The WNBA has long been criticized for its lack of player compensation when compared to the NBA, with the average salary for a WNBA player being around $75,000 while the NBA players average salary is around $7.7 million. However, in recent years, there have been signs of progress in terms of player compensation, with several players signing high-paying contracts and endorsement deals.
Parker’s contract is a reflection of the league’s commitment to investing in its players and providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. It also serves as a reminder of the immense talent and dedication of the players in the WNBA and the important role they play in the sport.
Parker’s new contract not only sets a new standard for player compensation in the WNBA, but it also serves as a symbol of the league’s commitment to its players and the sport’s growing popularity. It’s a significant step forward for the league and the athletes that make it so special.
