This article discusses the ongoing pay disparity between men's and women's basketball, citing the perspective of top sports agent Jeff Schwartz. It highlights the financial disparities between the NBA and WNBA, while also exploring the rising salaries and player ownership opportunities in emerging leagues like pickleball and Unrivaled's 3-on-3 women's basketball.
Top sports agent Jeff Schwartz stated that the pay disparity between men's and women's basketball is 'blatantly unfair.' Schwartz, who founded and runs Excel Sports Management, a firm representing over 500 clients and negotiating billions in athlete contracts, made this remark during an interview with CNBC Sports. He emphasized the need for change in the compensation structure of the women's basketball league.
Schwartz's firm represents some of the biggest names in sports, including Caitlin Clark, Tiger Woods, Peyton, and Eli Manning. The WNBA, despite shattering viewership, attendance, and merchandise records led by stars like Clark, still sees salaries ranging from a minimum of $64,154 to a maximum of $241,948. While some argue that the WNBA should be held accountable for the pay inequality, it's important to consider the context. The NBA, with over 75 years of history and billions in corporate sponsorships, dwarfs the WNBA's 29-year history and four-month playing season.Interestingly, players in the burgeoning sport of pickleball are now making more than WNBA stars, averaging $260,000 per year, according to the United Pickleball Association. This situation highlights the evolving landscape of professional sports and the growing financial opportunities in emerging leagues. Schwartz commented on player equity in sports, pointing to Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 women's basketball league offering players equity in the league. Unrivaled boasts the highest average player salary of any professional women's sports league, exceeding $220,000 per year. While Schwartz believes established leagues are unlikely to relinquish equity to players anytime soon, he sees it as a viable model for newer leagues like Unrivaled. The conversation around athlete compensation and player ownership continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of traditional sports models
WNBA NBA Pay Gap Player Equity Emerging Leagues Sports Agent Jeff Schwartz Unrivaled Pickleball Athlete Compensation
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Top sports agent says WNBA salaries are ‘blatantly unfair' to playersSchwartz’s Excel Sports Management represents more than 500 clients and has negotiated billions in athlete contracts over the years.
Read more »
Top Agent Calls Pay Gap in Women's Basketball 'Blatantly Unfair'Excel Sports Management founder and CEO Jeff Schwartz argues that the pay discrepancy between men's and women's basketball is unacceptable. Despite record-breaking viewership and attendance in the WNBA, player salaries remain significantly lower than those in the NBA. Schwartz points to the WNBA's shorter season and younger age compared to the NBA as factors, but emphasizes the need for change. He also highlights the innovative approach of the 3-on-3 league Unrivaled, which offers players equity in the league and boasts the highest average player salary in professional women's sports.
Read more »
Roki Sasaki's Agent Says Blue Jays Are in Strong Position to Sign Free Agent PitcherRoki Sasaki's agent believes a smaller market team would be a better fit for the young pitcher, potentially hinting at the Blue Jays as a landing spot. The close relationship between Sasaki and a member of Toronto's front office, who was formerly his teammate in Japan, could give the Blue Jays an edge in the competition.
Read more »
WNBA Star Calls for Transfer Rules in College SportsCaitlin Clark, a WNBA star, criticizes the current college sports transfer system and advocates for a one-year sit-out period for student-athletes transferring schools.
Read more »
WNBA Star Caitlin Clark Calls for Transfer Rules in College SportsWNBA star Caitlin Clark argues that college sports should reinstate the rule requiring student-athletes to sit out a year after transferring to a new school. She criticizes the current recruiting climate and the ease with which athletes switch teams, comparing college football to minor league pro football.
Read more »
Dallas Wings Coach Praises Paige Bueckers as Top WNBA Draft ProspectNewly appointed Dallas Wings head coach Chris Koclanes has high praise for USC star Paige Bueckers, calling her a 'dynamic' and 'tremendous talent' who will be a top prospect in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Read more »