Do they really "need" to play... overseas?

[DaddyChoc]

50k-120k isnt enough to live off in the USA... along with a little side gig during the WNBA off-season. Why must they play elsewhere when not playing in the W?

 

[Huskee11]

In the words of bank robber Willie Sutton, that’s where the money is.

A couple of years ago, DT sat out the WNBA season, not her Russian season.

Calling it a “little side gig” is not really accurate. Most players make substantially more overseas. That’s the dilemma the WNBA currently faces.

 

[eebmg]

In the words of bank robber Willie Sutton, that’s where the money is.

A couple of years ago, DT sat out the WNBA season, not her Russian season.

Calling it a “little side gig” is not really accurate. Most players make substantially more overseas. That’s the dilemma the WNBA currently faces.

I don't think the OP is defining a "little side gig" as a basketball gig but some off season non basketball type of job.

 

[JavaMan]

50k-120k isnt enough to live off in the USA... along with a little side gig during the WNBA off-season. Why must they play elsewhere when not playing in the W?

I've been thinking about this also, but arrived at a different question. Do they really "need" to play... in the WNBA?

 

[lanieer]

Yeah they do. 10 years to get what you an.

 

[rvwsleep]

50k-120k isnt enough to live off in the USA... along with a little side gig during the WNBA off-season. Why must they play elsewhere when not playing in the W?

If they want to maximize their earning potential, as basketball players, then yes, they do.
They have maybe 10 years to earn as much as possible, as basketball players, then they'll probably join the job market, with the rest of us.
They could live off of what they earn from the WNBA alone during those 10 years, but what a missed earning opportunity that would be.

 

[Vowelguy]

50k-120k isnt enough to live off in the USA... along with a little side gig during the WNBA off-season. Why must they play elsewhere when not playing in the W?

Uh. Is this question for real?

 

[DaddyChoc]

I've been thinking about this also, but arrived at a different question. Do they really "need" to play... in the WNBA?

exactly... move overseas and do what Barbara Turner did, made a career out of it. Im sure they'll miss home but...

 

[DaddyChoc]

Uh. Is this question for real?

nah

 

[DaddyChoc]

If they want to maximize their earning potential, as basketball players, then yes, they do.
They have maybe 10 years to earn as much as possible, as basketball players, then they'll probably join the job market, with the rest of us.
They could live off of what they earn from the WNBA alone during those 10 years, but what a missed earning opportunity that would be.

ok... so is there really a true argument about being paid more in the W?

 

[DaddyChoc]

I don't think the OP is defining a "little side gig" as a basketball gig but some off season non basketball type of job.

right... Lebron's NBA season is over, should he now go to Europe to earn as much as he can before it all ends?

 

[Huskee11]

I don't think the OP is defining a "little side gig" as a basketball gig but some off season non basketball type of job.

Ok, got it. It only seems like they are all announcing for ESPN. A brief check shows that some who stay home run - guess what - basketball camps. Others show some foresight and intern for a future career. Others participate in get out the vote efforts. One has a food truck.

They are leaving money on the table - quality of life thing - which is fine, of course, personal choice. Unfortunately we see from Stewie and others that year round play is risky. Imagine a major league pitcher playing year round. I know some baseball players play in winter leagues but doubt any pitchers do since they need time to rest and recover. But again, the financial incentive for women basketball players is to pass on the WNBA season, given the choice.

Richie Hebner played for the Pirates in the seventies. His nickname was “Digger” because he dug graves in the off-season. Before big money in baseball.

 

[Vowelguy]

right... Lebron's NBA season is over, should he now go to Europe to earn as much as he can before it all ends?

Yeah there's no difference between $35M per year and $100k per year.

 

[Zanzman]

50k-120k isnt enough to live off in the USA... along with a little side gig during the WNBA off-season. Why must they play elsewhere when not playing in the W?

I thought the WNBA was the side gig

 

[DeeHusky]

Diana Taurasi sat out for 1 Million in 1 overseas season. You would’ve given up that?

 

[billnaples]

Diana Taurasi sat out for 1 Million in 1 overseas season. You would’ve given up that?

If I recall correctly her Russian team paid her WNBA salary of $107K I think for her to sit out that season and save her energy for their league and the million or so they were paying.

 

[trisailin]

..... Why must they play elsewhere when not playing in the W?

The more fundamental question - is WHO defines "need"? I certainly don't "need" some of the stuff that others absolutely must have and there are other things that I "need" that they couldn't care less about. So who are we to decide their "needs"?

 

[msf22b]

I've been thinking about this also, but arrived at a different question. Do they really "need" to play... in the WNBA?

Thinking the same thing

 

[UConnNick]

If they want to maximize their earning potential, as basketball players, then yes, they do.
They have maybe 10 years to earn as much as possible, as basketball players, then they'll probably join the job market, with the rest of us.
They could live off of what they earn from the WNBA alone during those 10 years, but what a missed earning opportunity that would be.

If you could make several times more money playing a game for 10-15 years vs. working at some regular jobs between WNBA seasons, setting yourself up financially for life if you're smart with your money, what would you do?

 

[msf22b]

It's the W that's redundent.
Players participate in a near charitable situation.
Sure the league's finances are not great...still, in Europe, there are a lot of half-empty houses.
But folks with bread, still think that they should pay the gals a competitive wage.

Forgetting quality...players should think of the W as a minor league and after they showcase their skills enough...play the Europe/Asia circuit and skip the W (or play the last third of the season).

At some point, the powers in charge will figure out the problem...just like the Chicago Symphony board did yesterday with a little prodding by the mayor.

 

[Zanzman]

50000 is not charitable in my world

 

[MilfordHusky]

The exact numbers very by player, but Diana reportedly earns the WNBA max of $115K or so (plus modest bonuses) in Phoenix and roughly $1,000,000 when she played in Russia. The average player probably earns 2-8x as much overseas as they do in the U.S. As Huskee11 said, it's the old Willie Sutton line.

 

[cohenzone]

right... Lebron's NBA season is over, should he now go to Europe to earn as much as he can before it all ends?

LaBron makes multi millions playing hoops and mucho in endorsements. These women would stay home if being paid the same or even a quarter of the same crazy money.

 

[DEpup]

50000 is not charitable in my world

Your world must not be a major city where these teams are located with much higher costs of living than rural America

 

[Zanzman]

Your world must not be a major city where these teams are located with much higher costs of living than rural America

50000 for months work is not charitable no matter where you live and Norwich is not a major city