The long-standing debate over player compensation in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has found a powerful new voice. Former Los Angeles Sparks star Liz Cambage has openly criticised the league's pay structure, revealing how she turned to a lucrative side hustle to achieve the lifestyle she desired.
From WNBA Paychecks to a Mink Coat: Cambage's Financial Revelation
In a candid conversation with media outlet TMZ, Liz Cambage expressed her frustration with the financial rewards in the WNBA. She bluntly stated that the hard work of professional women basketball players is not matched by their earnings from the league. Cambage revealed she made an astonishing $1.5 million within just the first week of joining a subscription-based platform, a figure that starkly contrasts with typical WNBA salaries.
Her advice to current players was direct. She called on WNBA stars to stop relying solely on what she termed the league's "lousy paychecks." Cambage suggested that to make substantial money, athletes must look for opportunities outside the basketball stadium. Pointing to her own luxury, she remarked that her mink coat could never have been bought with her WNBA earnings.
"I feel like women gotta make more money playing the sport they love," Cambage said. "I think everyone has gotta get it how they can ... as I'm standing here in a mink." She encouraged players to embrace their individuality, noting that there is now more space for women in sports to express their personalities and femininity.
A Season of Loud Demands: Caitlin Clark Joins the Chorus
Cambage's comments amplify a growing movement for fair pay in women's basketball. The buzz around WNBA salaries is particularly loud this season. Rookie sensation Caitlin Clark was recently spotted wearing a warm-up shirt with a bold message: 'Pay Us What You Owe Us.' This act of solidarity highlights that the demand for better compensation is a unifying issue among players, both veterans and newcomers.
Shutting Down Rumours: "Married to the Game"
The interview also touched upon viral speculation about Cambage's personal life. A picture of her with NBA superstar Kevin Durant at a Drake concert had fueled dating rumours. However, Cambage decisively shut them down with zero sugarcoating.
"You think I'm gonna hard launch a relationship shooting a jump shot at a Drake concert?!" she quipped. "That's what I get for trying to be funny and recreating a meme." She clarified her focus, adding, "Just hoops, baby. Married to the game!" Liz Cambage, who bid farewell to the WNBA in 2022, firmly stated there is nothing romantic between her and Durant.
Her journey from the WNBA to financial success on her own terms serves as a potent case study. It underscores a critical conversation about the valuation of women's sports and the entrepreneurial paths athletes are forging to claim their worth.
