Definition:

The difference between median earnings of men and women relative to median earnings of men

Defined in Our Society:

The wage gap is based on a system that men have created for themselves. This makes it nearly impossible for women to rise to the top or merely equal to their male counterparts to get what is essential. (Strupp, Josh)
Most often, men are given more money for doing the same work or in some cases less work than women. (Strupp, Josh)
These inequalities are projected in basketball and every sport that includes a male and female league. (Strupp, Josh)

Did You Know?

Did you know that there is a 38 million dollar difference between the highest paid players in the WNBA and the NBA? (Strupp, Josh) Such substantial differences in money is not only unfair, but affects the lives of those female players who play basketball as a living. The inequality shown through the years of basketball must change and needs to start with acknowledging that women work just as hard as men. Our goal is to spark more conversations in athletics to receive the equal rights and pay that female athletes deserve.

Statistics

In the first season of the WNBA, the rookies earned 176% less than the NBA rookies of the same year. (Adelphi University)
In 2010 the WNBA closed the wage gap to 172%, but in 10 years, the gap became 182%. (Adelphi University)
Dewanna Bonner was the highest-paid WNBA player of the 2019-2020 season, making $127,000, while Stephen Curry's made $40 million. (Adelphi University)
By 2009, the WNBA added sponsors to their jerseys, lessening the wage gap. ESPN and CBS doubled their contracts in 2019. (Adelphi University)
In 2020, the Community Bargaining Movement gave the WNBA a 50-50 share of their revenue, which helped women's average pay reach 6-figures. (Adelphi University)