WNBA Legend Lisa Leslie Opens Up on ‘The Shop’: Calls for Closing the Pay Gap, NBA Support for Women’s Basketball, and the Future of the WNBA

Lisa Leslie, one of the most iconic figures in women’s basketball history, recently appeared on the popular series The Shop, produced by UNINTERRUPTED, where she joined NBA stars LeBron James and Draymond Green for an honest and wide-ranging conversation. Throughout the episode, Leslie discussed critical issues surrounding the WNBA, including its ongoing struggle with the pay gap compared to the NBA, the support from male athletes, and how the women’s league can continue to grow.

The Context: A Legendary Career and a Platform for Change

Before diving into the conversation, it’s important to recognize Lisa Leslie’s tremendous contributions to women’s basketball. A two-time WNBA champion and three-time league MVP, Leslie was also the first woman to dunk in a WNBA game — a moment that broke barriers and energized the sport’s fanbase. Last year, she was named one of the WNBA’s Top 25 Players of All Time, a testament to her legendary status.

Her experience as both a player and a respected voice in basketball makes her comments on The Shop particularly impactful. Sitting alongside LeBron James — widely regarded as one of the greatest male basketball players ever — and Draymond Green — a fiery and outspoken NBA champion — Leslie’s voice amplified the ongoing conversation about equality, pay, and visibility for female athletes.

The Pay Gap: One NBA Player’s Salary Could Cover the Entire WNBA

During the episode, the discussion turned to the glaring salary disparity between the NBA and the WNBA. Leslie delivered a striking fact that many fans and even some sports insiders may not fully grasp: “One player that makes maybe $12 million on an NBA team can cover the whole WNBA’s salaries.” The scale of this disparity left the audience stunned, underscoring just how far the women’s league still has to go to achieve pay equity.

Leslie emphasized that the women work incredibly hard — “It’s a lot of work — it’s a lot of hard work,” she said — and deserve to be compensated fairly for their efforts. The fact that a single NBA player’s salary could fund the entire WNBA payroll highlights a systemic undervaluing of women’s professional basketball.

To put this into perspective, the NBA’s salary cap for the 2024 season is roughly $136 million per team, while the WNBA’s total salary cap per team is currently around $1.4 million — a figure that reflects stark inequality. Many WNBA players juggle basketball with other jobs in the offseason just to make ends meet, while NBA stars often earn salaries that dwarf the earnings of even the best women’s players.

The Need for Greater NBA Support and Solidarity

Draymond Green made a pointed remark during the discussion: “NBA players support the WNBA more than we probably support the fucking NBA.” His candid admission revealed a surprising truth — while male NBA players are actively rooting for their female counterparts, the league itself and its broader infrastructure might not be giving enough support to its women’s counterpart.

Leslie suggested a simple yet symbolic idea: “Maybe we could just take a donation around the NBA.” She pantomimed passing around a hat, imagining NBA players pooling resources to help close the pay gap in the WNBA. This notion, while informal, highlights a grassroots approach that could bring immediate relief to many female athletes while broader institutional changes take place.

The sentiment reflects a growing awareness in the NBA community about the importance of promoting women’s basketball. Stars like LeBron James have been vocal supporters of the WNBA, attending games and encouraging their fans to watch and follow women’s basketball. Yet, the fact remains that equal financial investment from league owners, sponsors, and broadcasters is critical for meaningful change.

Historical and Social Context: Why the Pay Gap Exists

Understanding the pay gap requires looking beyond just numbers to historical, social, and commercial factors. The NBA was founded in 1946 and quickly became a global powerhouse in sports entertainment, fueled by massive TV contracts, endorsements, and fan engagement. In contrast, the WNBA was launched much later, in 1997, and has faced challenges building a comparable audience and revenue streams.

While women’s basketball has grown steadily, it has never received the same level of media attention or corporate sponsorship. This lack of investment limits the league’s ability to increase salaries, invest in marketing, and provide better facilities and support for players.

Moreover, traditional gender biases and societal expectations have historically devalued women’s sports, making it harder for female athletes to command the same salaries or endorsements as their male counterparts. However, the tide is slowly turning, with increased advocacy for equal pay, better media coverage, and greater recognition of women athletes’ achievements.

The Role of Media and Visibility

Leslie’s appearance on The Shop itself is a step toward increasing visibility for the WNBA and women’s sports in general. The Shop is known for candid conversations on social issues, culture, and sports, and having a female basketball legend share her perspective alongside top NBA stars brings attention to important conversations about gender equity in sports.

Media platforms play a crucial role in shaping public perception and driving sponsorship deals. More broadcast hours for WNBA games, feature stories on players’ lives and struggles, and integration with popular sports culture help boost fan engagement. This increased attention can translate into bigger contracts and endorsements for female athletes.

The Future: Hope and Challenges Ahead

While the pay gap remains a significant challenge, voices like Lisa Leslie’s inspire hope. Her acknowledgment that the WNBA is “26 years young” points to the league’s relative youth and potential for growth. Unlike comparing apples to oranges, Leslie’s perspective suggests that while the WNBA shouldn’t be expected to immediately match NBA salaries, progress toward narrowing the gap is essential.

There are signs of change on the horizon. The WNBA’s recent collective bargaining agreement (CBA) has brought improvements to salaries, travel accommodations, and maternity benefits, signaling a commitment to better conditions for players. More star athletes are advocating for change and using their platforms to amplify these issues.

Furthermore, the idea that NBA players can support their female counterparts more actively is gaining traction. Social media campaigns, joint appearances, and financial support are becoming part of the dialogue.

What Can Fans Do?

Fans also have a critical role in supporting women’s basketball. Watching games, buying merchandise, following players on social media, and demanding better coverage from broadcasters all contribute to growing the league’s profile. Greater fan engagement can lead to increased sponsorship and media rights deals, which ultimately improve players’ salaries and conditions.

As Leslie and other advocates say, recognizing the hard work and talent of WNBA players and valuing their contributions are crucial steps toward equality.

Conclusion

Lisa Leslie’s frank discussion on The Shop about the WNBA pay gap and NBA support shines a spotlight on the challenges and opportunities facing women’s professional basketball today. The fact that one NBA player’s salary could cover the entire WNBA pay pool is a stark reminder of the inequalities still present in sports.

However, with continued advocacy, growing fan interest, and solidarity from male athletes, the future of the WNBA looks promising. The league’s journey toward financial equity is a reflection of broader social changes and growing respect for female athletes.

As Leslie puts it, while the WNBA is still young, its potential is enormous — and it deserves the investment, recognition, and support to thrive. The conversation started on The Shop is just one important step toward that future.