THE WNBA investigation into whether the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s $100,000 annual sponsorship of Aces players for this season and next is allowed.
A league spokesperson confirmed Saturday that an investigation into the deal was underway. The sponsorships do not violate the WNBA salary cap because Las Vegas officials did not orchestrate them with the club. But other teams were likely raising questions about the fairness of the sponsorships and whether they violated the spirit of the cap rules.
“I’ll tell you very simply. Most sponsors go after the top two people,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said. “This situation, from what I understand, they wanted the whole team. They called individual agents. I don’t know the details. I had nothing to do with it. The Aces didn’t nothing to do with that. That’s what happened.”
Getty Images
This isn’t the Aces’ first run-in with the league in recent years. Last year, the WNBA suspended Hammon for two games and stripped the Aces’ 2025 first-round pick because the franchise violated league rules regarding unauthorized player benefits and venue policies. of work.
“Just another day in the life of the Aces. We can never start normally,” star A’ja Wilson said. “There will always be something and that’s okay. When we talk about growing the game or taking the next step, it can’t always be investigated. We have to try to improve things for franchises, for example players for teams.
The head of the authority believes that they did nothing wrong.
“We did this the right way,” authority President and CEO Steve Hill told The Associated Press on Saturday. “We did something that we think works for Las Vegas and I think it’s great for the players. We did it without the team. It was our idea and all the questions they ask, they will find out.”
The authority released a video on X of Hill on Friday breaking the news to players in the locker room.
“We pay 100 influencers to represent Las Vegas,” Hill told the AP. “It’s no different than that. All of these ladies are very eligible for sponsorships. We’re just asking them to represent Vegas.”
The players were delighted with this decision.
“I’ve always said the city of Vegas is a great little city and they just want the best for the people here,” point guard Chelsea Gray said before the Aces’ home game Saturday against the Los Angeles Sparks . “They’re investing in us and so they’re walking the talk. We’ve done so much for the city and we’ve had fun doing it.
“It was a big moment for me and my teammates, of someone putting up funds, saying they support us and want to support us.”
According to the Spotrac site, which tracks player salaries, the sponsorship is greater than the income of six Ace players.
“Definitely more than my salary,” said freshman Kate Martin, who makes $67,249, according to the website. “I’m very grateful. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming, but this is real life and this is what all these players deserve. I wouldn’t have this crazy bonus if I didn’t. “It’s not because of the quality of play of all these players in recent years. “
The $100,000 is also a significant addition to even the top players. A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum are the highest paid Aces at $200,000 each and Gray is close behind at $196,267.
“(For) the LVCVA to see our value and help close that wage gap, it says a lot about the character of the people that are there,” said Alysha Clark, whose salary is listed at $110,000. “So I’m extremely grateful. I’m honored to be able to represent this organization and this city and to be able to stand up for the city and give back to this city and invest in the community, and that’s what they’ve done for us. It was really, really special.”
The issue of WNBA salaries versus those of NBA players is under new scrutiny. after it was revealed Last month, No. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark, who has become one of America’s most popular athletes, would earn just over $76,500 in her first year with the Indiana Fever, and about $338 $000 on the four-year contract she signed.
While the former Iowa State star is expected to land lucrative endorsement deals as a professional, for comparison, San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft l last summer, earned more than $12 million in salary this season, according to Spotrac.
The issue even prompted President Biden to speak out, who posted on social media on April 16 that “women in sports continue to push new boundaries and inspire us all.” But right now we’re seeing that even if you’re the best, women aren’t getting paid their fair share. It’s time we give our daughters the same opportunities as our sons and ensure women get what they deserve.
The WNBA has made progress in promoting pay equity in recent years. While NBA players collectively receive about 50% of the league’s revenue, WNBA players previously earned less than 23%. But that number increased to 50% thanks to the latest labor agreement with the league.
— Megan Cerullo contributed to this report.
Grub5
