Candace Parker has seen it all. She has seen the days when the WNBA used to be a big thing. She is seeing the recent times when it is bigger than ever. From what she learnt over the years, the league needs to step up its game.
After spending nearly two decades in the league, the former power forward has been actively taking the WNBA players’ issues to the mainstream. And at a time when the players need a new CBA, Parker is standing stronger than ever.
Candace Parker Challenges WNBA Over Pay And Facility Disparity
During the latest episode of her podcast Post Moves with Aliyah Boston, Parker took to her platform to call out the WNBA. She urged them “to step their game up” amid growing frustration over player conditions and pay disparities.
“I’m happy for y’all that you are all able to stay stateside and make income. But I do really challenge the WNBA to step their game up,” Parker said.
Additionally, she also compared the facilities players get at an overseas league in Russia, which sounds like a dream treatment for the players.
“Because in Russia, we had chefs, we had amazing apartments, we had drivers, we flew charter. We traveled around Europe as the No. 1 team and were compensated as such. I mean, my black diamonds are from Russia. They were given to me as a birthday gift. My daughter got black diamonds, I got a Rolex watch. I mean, the amount of gifts that I got from our owners in Russia, and I think that it just makes you feel welcome, and it makes you feel like you’re one of the top players. And are treated as such,” Parker added.
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She pointed to the stark contrast between WNBA facilities and the plush setups some players find in Russia during the offseason. Additionally, the 39-year-old icon also pointed out how the league’s $1.5 million salary cap in 2025 pales next to the millions some earn in Russia.
Candace Parker Learned From Her Own Experience
While she is a leader for the WNBA stars’ demand for equal pay, Parker’s challenge stems from her own experiences. She faced the lack of paid maternity leave firsthand when she had her daughter in 2009.
She’s seen the WNBA grow in value, now nearing $3.5 billion, but she argues the players aren’t reaping the rewards. She is mostly right. The pay gap stings, too, as WNBA players get less than 10% of league revenue, while overseas contracts can double or triple salaries.
However, Parker’s not done fighting. She’s challenging the WNBA to upgrade facilities, pay, and support. As new stars like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers shine, Parker’s push could spark a movement.