Caitlin Clark or Nelly Korda, who earns more? It’s a question that sounds simple, but in professional sports, paychecks are never straightforward. The reality is LPGA players can take home much bigger numbers in a good year than WNBA players do in base salary, but it comes with far more financial risk, unpredictable earnings, and the burden of paying their own way.
WNBA players enjoy guaranteed salaries, benefits, and a structured pay scale. They aim to stack endorsements and bonuses on top, but the foundation is steady. LPGA professionals, on the other hand, operate like small businesses. They are independent contractors who earn their living entirely through prize money and sponsorships.
Different Pay Foundations
On the LPGA Tour, prize money has grown steadily in recent seasons, with total purses hovering in the $110 to $120 million range. Majors now offer seven-figure winner’s checks. On top of that, stars can bring in significant endorsement money from club and ball manufacturers, apparel companies, luxury brands, and even local business partnerships.
In the WNBA, players are salaried employees of a team. The pay system is governed by a collective bargaining agreement and a salary cap. Rookie salaries range from the mid-$60,000s to $70,000s, veterans earn more, and the supermax deal sits in the low $200,000s.
These contracts are guaranteed, meaning players are paid regardless of performance or injury, and benefits are included. Players can also earn additional money through league marketing deals, performance bonuses, and endorsements. And things have changed over the past 75 years for the LPGA.
A top-five LPGA player in a hot year can win $2 to $5 million in prize money alone. Add global endorsements and they can easily push into the high seven figures or beyond. But there is a catch, no guarantees. Miss a few cuts and those earnings evaporate quickly. Travel, caddies, coaches, entry fees, insurance, and taxes are all out-of-pocket expenses that can run $150,000 to $300,000 per season.
For WNBA stars, the ceiling is lower on the court. Base salaries for the league’s elite hover around $240,000. But endorsement opportunities have expanded dramatically. Signature shoes, national ad campaigns, and growing social media influence mean a star player can push into the seven figure range.
For the rare transcendent player, that number can climb much higher. Historically, many supplemented income by playing overseas in the offseason. While still an option, it is less common now for the top tier.
For WNBA role players, the financial floor is higher than in golf. Guaranteed salaries mean steady income even through slumps or injuries. But roster spots are scarce. Only 12 teams with roughly 12 players each means intense competition and frequent cuts at the end of training camp.
Where the Money Comes From
The business models drive the pay differences. LPGA purses are fueled mainly by title sponsors and Pro-Am hospitality packages. TV helps, but rights fees remain modest. In fact, some domestic LPGA events are “time buys” meaning sponsors fund the broadcast.
The WNBA relies on national media rights, ticket sales, sponsorships, and merchandise as a single enterprise. While TV money has historically been modest, it is rising alongside a surge in interest. That growth points toward future salary increases, especially under the league’s revenue sharing structure.
The biggest contrast is in risk. LPGA players shoulder every business cost themselves, travel, staff salaries, entry fees, insurance. WNBA players get league-covered travel, medical care, per diems, and retirement benefits.
Lifestyle and Schedule Differences
Life on tour for an LPGA player means 30 to 35 global events a year. Top players typically choose 20 to 25 starts. Tournament weeks often run Monday to Sunday, with practice rounds, sponsor events, and four tournament days before catching a long flight to the next stop.
It is an entrepreneurial grind. You set your schedule and control your brand, but you pay for every expense and live out of a suitcase.
WNBA players work a compact season of roughly 40 games, plus training camp, practices, and community events. An Olympic or All-Star break sometimes interrupts the summer schedule. Players are paid whether the shots fall or not. The offseason can be spent playing overseas, working with sponsors, or representing USA Basketball.
The Fan Connection
In golf, fan access is personal. Pro Ams and sponsor outings are built into the weekly schedule. Players can use these events to strengthen sponsor relationships, creating future income opportunities.
In the WNBA, fan interaction is more arena based. Think autograph lines, pre- and post-game events, and a heavy social media presence. The league’s biggest names now drive major national buzz, landing large brand partnerships. Playing in a big market, making the playoffs, or having star teammates can amplify a player’s reach.
Merchandising and Media
LPGA players monetize their own likeness, apparel, watches, financial services, even airlines, and their earnings potential grows with global appeal. There is no shared league merchandise pool. In the WNBA, jersey sales contribute to league revenue, not directly to a single player’s paycheck beyond licensing. Still, breakout stars see their endorsement rates soar.
Media exposure plays its part too. The LPGA has consistent coverage on Golf Channel and selective weekend network broadcasts, but often outside prime time. That limits ad rates but offers strong international reach, particularly in Asia, which also fuels appearance fees abroad.
The WNBA’s national windows on ESPN and ABC, combined with streaming growth, have boosted ratings. Rising rights fees will push the salary cap and max deals higher in future seasons.
Longevity and Career Stability
For LPGA players, career stability comes down to performance. Longer average drives, more precise putts, and lower overall scores are key. Keep your card or return to Q School. One cold year can cost sponsorship leverage. The upside is unlimited for those at the top, but the downside is real.
In the WNBA, making the roster means guaranteed pay, but rosters are tight. A player cut in camp may have to look overseas or face a gap year.
The Bottom Line
The LPGA offers higher on course earning potential for the best players and rich global sponsorship opportunities. But the tradeoff is high personal expense and zero guarantees.
The WNBA offers stable income, benefits, and rising endorsement potential, though salaries remain capped by the league’s system. Future media deals will determine how fast that cap moves.
In short, an LPGA winner can take home life-changing money in a single week, while WNBA salaries are steadier but limited. When it comes to take-home pay after costs, the WNBA offers more security. The LPGA offers more upside, but with a lot more receipts to file.
Clint is PGA-certified and was a Head Teaching Professional at one of Toronto's busiest golf academies. He was also featured on Canada's National Golf TV program, "Score Golf Canada," twice. He graduated with a degree in Golf Management from the College of the Desert in California and studied under Callaway's co-founder, Tony Manzoni. He has a handicap index of 6.2 and spends the winters near Oaxaca, Mexico, where he plays twice a month at the Club de Golf Vista Hermosa. He's written over 100 articles at GolfSpan since 2021. You can connect with Clint at LinkedIn, FB, his website, or Clintcpga@gmail.com.
