The Fire Join a Robust Local Culture of Women's Basketball
Briefly

The Fire Join a Robust Local Culture of Women's Basketball
"Being the underdog. Being tough. That describes women basketball players the world over. They've been banned, dissed, dismissed, underpaid, and undercovered by the media."
"In 2026, we're living in a watershed year. The WNBA is undergoing enormous growth and change, with a $2.2 billion media rights deal over 11 years that will give players a platform unlike any they've had before."
"Thanks to trenchant bargaining by the players' union during marathon contract negotiations that concluded in March, WNBA players are earning more than ever before."
"This season's minimum salary (between $270,000 and $300,000, over four times the previous minimum) is more than last season's supermax."
Women basketball players have historically faced numerous challenges, including being underpaid and underrepresented. However, the WNBA is entering a transformative period with a significant media rights deal and increased player salaries. The players' union has successfully negotiated better contracts, resulting in a minimum salary that is significantly higher than before. This growth reflects a broader recognition of women's sports, with major networks dedicating prime time to women's games, marking a pivotal moment for female athletes.
Read at Portland Monthly
Unable to calculate read time
[
|
]