Have a look at WNBA’s 2024 winner and runner up prize money
More people than ever before were watching the 2024 WNBA playoffs, which turned into something extraordinary. At last, the New York Liberty have taken home their first WNBA title.
At least in terms of viewership, the WNBA’s greatest season to date came to an end. Rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, who provided the league a lift it had not received in at least a decade, are mostly responsible for the fantastic numbers the league has had this year.
After 28 seasons, New York finally Liberty won a championship.
It took a pivotal Game 5 and the first overtime in a winner-take-all match in WNBA Finals history, but on Sunday, it defeated the Minnesota Lynx 67-62 in overtime. After five unsuccessful championship runs, New York Liberty finally added the title of “WNBA champion” to its storied history.
New York Liberty WNBA 2024 winner prize money and how much did each player take home in winnings
“28 YEARS IN THE MAKING… THE NEW YORK LIBERTY ARE WNBA CHAMPIONS!” pic.twitter.com/NNQXdv4EvY
— NBA (@NBA) October 21, 2024
It was not an easy feat. Up to 12 points behind, New York didn’t score a 3-pointer until the very end of regulation. Sabrina Ionescu didn’t score until the third quarter on a 1-for-19 shooting performance. Breanna Stewart, meanwhile, shot 4 of 15 from the field.
The New York Liberty desperately needed someone to step up on a night when Stewart and Ionsecu were having a lot of trouble with their shooting. Before Sunday, Nyara Sabally was averaging just 3.4 points per game. However, in a playoff-high 17 minutes, the 6-foot-5 reserve centre scored 13 points, which proved to be the decisive factor.
Not only was Sabally’s performance excellent, but she also added a level of bravery and energy that was lacking. After down by seven points at the half, the Liberty turned the tide of the game in the third quarter and led by three points going into the fourth.
With 3:33 remaining in the third quarter, Sabally made a jumper to knot the score at 38, and 26 seconds later, he scored a layup to give New York its first lead.
WNBA Finals prize money
The 2024 playoffs have a $500,000 bonus pool, and the winners will take home $20,825 apiece. Although early eliminated teams still receive compensation, winning the championship trophy is the true reward.
Each player on the championship-winning team receives $20,825, which means the team collectively takes home $249,900. The runners-up each player took home $7,746, totaling $92,952 for the entire squad.
In the case of the Commissioner’s Cup, the $500,000 prize is awarded solely to the players of the winning team, without being shared with any other which amounts to roughly $41,700 per player.
Under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the WNBA prize money is structured so that every team making it to the playoffs earns a payout depending on how far they advance in the competition and the largest share is reserved for the team that ultimately secures the championship title.