Diana Taurasi Rants About WNBA Pay: Janitor Made More Than Me

Diana Taurasi, the basketball legend, doesn’t hold back when discussing the challenges of being a top WNBA player in her upcoming docuseries. In a preview, she revealed the harsh reality of WNBA salaries during her career, mentioning that even the janitor at the stadium made more than her.

Despite being considered the best player globally, Taurasi had to play in other countries during the offseason to earn a respectable living wage. She highlighted the stark contrast between playing in Russia for financial security and returning to the WNBA for lower pay but tougher competition.

Taurasi shared the personal toll her career took on her relationships and the missed moments with her family while chasing better pay. Her story reflects the sacrifices many female basketball players make to pursue their passion and support their families.

Even though Taurasi retired in 2024 after two decades in the WNBA, the league continues to grapple with salary disparities and the need for better compensation for its players. The ongoing negotiations between the Players Association and league officials for a new collective bargaining agreement suggest a need for significant changes to align player compensation with the league’s growing popularity.

The issues of fair pay and financial security for WNBA players came to the forefront at the recent All-Star Game, where athletes wore shirts demanding equitable compensation. The call for “pay us what you owe us” underscores the importance of recognizing the value and talent of these athletes and compensating them fairly for their dedication and skill.