WNBA players might work just as hard as their NBA counterparts but you wouldn’t know that by looking at their paychecks…

WNBA Players Make Less Than NBA Players

When a basketball player achieves his dream of getting drafted into the NBA, all kinds of “family” show up with their hand out asking to either borrow money or to coerce their new multi-millionaire (or multi-hundred thousandaire) cousin to invest in their business idea.

Via BlackEnterprise reports:

The average salary of a WNBA player for the 2012 season was $72,000 while the league minimum rests just above $35,000 for rookies. Players with three or more years experience earn at least $51,000. $72,000 is still a decent check to people earning thousands lesser. But let’s consider who is making more than these professional athletes:

- The news reporter who probably isn’t bothering to re-cap their games.

- A human resources director who is most likely looking to hire somebody, who will also make more money than them.

- The guy fixing the elevator in their hotel.

- Your cousin with the “good job” downtown.

If you think that sounds strange, consider that in year’s prior, the median salary was as low as $46,000. Meaning that ten years ago, your child’s teacher was probably bringing home a bigger check. However, just like the NBA, it does pay to be the best at what you do, albeit not as much.

Among the few bonuses in the league, a player on the WNBA Champion teams gets a bonus of $10,500. The MVP of the league gets an extra $15,000. The Rookie of the Year is awarded $5,000 and a player who makes the All-Star team sees $2,500.

Hit the flip to check out more differences between the ballin’ genders…