Social media influencer Mariah Rose recently spotlighted the stark salary disparity between the NBA and WNBA, using the example of Steph Curry to illustrate her point. Rose revealed that if Curry, who earned $55 million last season, played in the WNBA, his salary would drop to $9.8 million, underscoring a significant earnings gap between the two leagues.
In a TikTok video posted Tuesday, Rose explained that both leagues base player salaries on a share of basketball-related income, which includes ticket sales and merchandise revenue. However, NBA players receive 51% of this income, whereas WNBA players only earn 9%, exposing a substantial imbalance in revenue distribution.
“If Steph Curry were a WNBA player right now, if the NBA operated like the WNBA, Steph Curry would be making $9.8 million,” Rose said. “Do you see the issue? NBA players are just as valuable to the NBA as WNBA players are to the WNBA. There will be no league without the players and clearly the NBA values its players more.”
– Mariah Rose, Social Media Influencer
Ongoing Collective Bargaining Talks in the WNBA
The WNBA Players Association is currently engaged in extended collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations with the league, aiming to secure better financial terms for players. According to ESPN’s Katie Barnes, the players are negotiating for a 27.5% share of the league’s gross revenue, while the WNBA has countered by proposing 70% of the net revenue. Discussions remain active as both sides work toward an agreement to prevent delays to the 2026 season.
Mariah Rose’s Continued Push for Improved WNBA Compensation
Mariah Rose, who boasts a following of over 700,000 on TikTok and hosts the podcast Hoops for Hotties, has been vocal about increasing wages and benefits for WNBA athletes. In a September video on her Hoops for Hotties Instagram, she provided evidence-backed arguments emphasizing why WNBA players merit higher pay.
Rose highlighted the growing popularity of the WNBA, citing marketable stars like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark as pivotal to this success. She stressed that the league’s athletes should experience this positive shift through improved salaries and enhanced benefits, despite the league’s current financial challenges.
Revenue Sharing Model Remains Main Obstacle in Salary Talks
The WNBA has expressed willingness to increase players’ pay and perks, but the division of revenue continues to be the core issue hampering progress in the CBA negotiation. Both the league and players’ union acknowledge the need to intensify their discussions to arrive at a solution that supports the players and sustains the league’s future.
Steph Curry makes $55.8 million. Under the WNBA’s current system he would be making $9.8 million. (Source: fansided) pic.twitter.com/kRORxonh2x
— mariah rose (@mariahcrose) February 24, 2026
