No matter how many buzzer-beaters you’ve watched or how many jaw-dropping crossovers you’ve seen this season, nothing matches the vibes of WNBA All-Star Weekend. It’s the perfect mix of celebration and competition, with the league’s biggest names showing off in front of a national spotlight. And while fans are glued to the action, there’s always that one question floating around social feeds and comment sections alike- what exactly do these stars take home from the big night?
You’d think the prize money would be a nice chunk of change for lighting up the All-Star stage. Well, what players make might surprise you- and even spark a bit of outrage. Behind all the glitz and glamor lies a payout structure that has been raising eyebrows for years. And as the league grows, players and fans are starting to speak a little louder about what’s fair and what just isn’t cutting it.
How much prize money do WNBA All-Star players earn in 2025?
Let’s get into the numbers. Every player picked for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game earns a $2,575 bonus just for showing up. Doesn’t matter if you’re a starter or a reserve, you get that same fixed amount. Play in the game and walk away with a smile- and a check just shy of three grand. Not bad, but not jaw-dropping, either. But the MVP?
If you go off and win the MVP award? That nets you an extra $5,150 on top of the selection amount. But that is just one player picking the dollars. There is no separate bonus for winning the All-Star. Again, it’s something- but compared to the NBA’s All-Star payout, where the winning squad splits a $1.8 million pot, it feels… tiny.
WNBA Players Association President Nneka Ogwumike didn’t mince words when she addressed this kind of imbalance. “We put on a show. We deserve to be paid accordingly,” she said, and it echoed hard throughout the basketball world. With more eyes on the league than ever, a lot of people are wondering when the pay will finally catch up to the moment.
How much do players earn from individual All-Star competitions like the 3-point contest and skills challenge?
Here’s where things really get interesting- and honestly, a little confusing. While the All-Star Game itself brings in modest bonuses, the real money shows up during the individual events. Thanks to Aflac coming through in 2025, the 3-point contest champ pockets $60,000. And the Skills Challenge winner? A cool $55,000. Both get another $2,575 from the league as a cherry on top.
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That means if a player wins both competitions, they’re looking at more than $115,000 for a single weekend. Just ask Allisha Gray. In 2024, she did exactly that- swept both events, and brought home sponsor cash like it was nothing. It flipped the script on All-Star Weekend. Suddenly, the sideshows became the main act.
These contests have grown more competitive for good reason. Not just for bragging rights, but because that money genuinely matters. Some players come in laser-focused on these events, knowing they’re worth way more than the All-Star Game itself. And it’s not just about dollars- it’s about recognition too. Winning one of these? You trend online, you land interviews, and you might just boost your endorsement profile heading into the next season.
What do players typically do with their All-Star prize money?
This isn’t just about splurging on designer fits or vacation getaways. For most WNBA players, this All-Star money has real purpose. A lot of players use it to support their families- parents, kids, siblings. Whether it’s paying rent, covering tuition, or helping with medical bills, that bonus check often goes toward loved ones behind the scenes.
Some invest in their craft. Off-season training doesn’t pay for itself, and a lot of WNBA players play overseas to stay afloat financially. So, prize money can help fund rehab, personal trainers, or performance therapy. Others take it even further and put it toward long-term goals. You’ve got players buying real estate, launching clothing lines, or even starting nonprofits.
And let’s not forget those who give back. Players like Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd have donated parts of their earnings to youth sports programs and community projects. These aren’t just All-Stars- they’re impact-makers. So every dollar counts.
Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt that getting selected for the WNBA All-Star Game is a huge honor. It’s a career milestone and a big platform moment. But the paycheck? Still hasn’t caught up and, it’s no surprise that the conversation about fair compensation is gaining momentum.
A look at the Pagoda on Thursday, July 17, 2025, during the WNBA’s Changemaker Day held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Meanwhile, the real money and hype are circling around events like the 3-point shootout and Skills Challenge. And sponsors like Aflac are making sure those contests matter more than ever. Players are making the most of it for themselves, for their families, and for their futures. As the WNBA rises in popularity and sponsorships pour in, the hope is that these stars will eventually be paid like the game-changers they are. Because putting on a show? They already do that. Now it’s time for the checks to match.
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