Throughout history, women have been treated as the minority gender. This concept is present in the sports world, where female athletes encounter challenges that their male counterparts have never experienced. 

 Although women put in just as much effort in their sport, they receive significantly less media coverage. The spotlight is often reserved for male athletes, not showcasing and giving them the attention they deserve. This lack of visibility makes it even more difficult for women to earn a sustainable income. 

The significant pay gap in professional leagues forces many female athletes to choose between continuing the sport they love and planning for a stable future. 

“I do think the media has an effect on the view of male and female sports. I pay attention to women’s sports more because they are the future of what I could accomplish,” said soccer player Peyton Graham. 

For many female athletes, the low salaries in professional sports make it nearly impossible to plan for a family or a stable future after they retire from the game. Starting a family requires financial stability, something that’s hard to come by when players are earning far less than their male colleagues. This financial uncertainty also makes it difficult for women to secure other opportunities for the future, such as owning a home or planning for retirement.

The harsh reality is that many female athletes might have to take on second jobs after their playing careers to support themselves, as the salaries they earn from their sport are simply not enough.

As of 2022, the WNBA reportedly made an income of $60 million. Although this is better than past years, the NBA produced a total revenue of $10.58 billion.

Paige Bueckers, the first pick of the 2025 WNBA draft, will make a base rookie salary just over $78,000. 

To help alleviate these financial burdens, some female athletes are turning to side leagues that offer higher salaries. New leagues are setting a standard for what it means to be a professional athlete. ‘Unrivaled’, a new 3-on-3 basketball league, has further uplifted women’s sports. 

Co-founded by Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Breanna Stweart and Napheesa Collier, the league offers players the opportunity to stay stateside during the offseason, allowing them to sharpen their skills and boost their income without needing to play overseas. 

‘Unrivaled’ provides the highest average income for players of any professional women’s sports league. This salary is close to the maximum salary for a player in the WNBA, which is about $220,000 for a two month season. 

Bueckers, who signed a four-year rookie contract with the Dallas Wings, will exceed the sum of that contract within her first year of the ‘Unrivaled’ league. 

“New leagues can create leverage, but existing ones that have already gained the most popularity need the most investment,” said basketball player Gemma Goldman. 

As much as women love their sport, the reality of a career in professional athletics is often short-lived. The average career length for women in the WNBA is three to five years, simply because the income they generate during their careers isn’t enough to ensure financial security for the long term.

“The flaws in the current sports system shows that society still undervalues female athletes. Not because of their talent, but due to old perceptions, lack of exposure, and gender inequality,” said Goldman. 

The pressure to balance a successful career with financial planning for the future is immense, and without additional support, many women will struggle to build the kind of future they deserve.

As more female athletes turn to side leagues like ‘Unrivaled’ for better pay and support, traditional leagues risk losing their top talent. Without real change in fair pay, visibility, and long-term support, these leagues may begin to fall apart. To secure the future of women’s sports, professional leagues must evolve now. 

“Unrivaled is an example of a good move that sets a new standard for women’s exposure, but fixing the WNBA and established leagues is essential for lasting change,” said Goldman.