Unequal Play: An Economic Analysis of Pay Disparities Between NBA and WNBA Players
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Authors
Aubreigh Caskey
Issue Date
2026
Type
Language
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Abstract
This thesis examines wage differentials between players in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) to determine whether compensation disparities persist after accounting for measurable economic and performance-related factors. Differences in player salaries are often attributed to variations in league revenue, attendance, and overall market demand. Rather than accepting these explanations at face value, this research empirically evaluates whether these commonly noted factors fully account for the observed wage gap.
The analysis focuses on the 2022–2025 post-pandemic seasons to analyze a more stable and comparable timeframe. The dataset includes team and league-level variables such as player salaries, salary caps, average game attendance, league revenue, team performance metrics, and winning streaks. By incorporating multiple seasons, the study accounts for variation in both financial outcomes and competitive performance over time.
Using an econometric regression framework, this thesis estimates the relationship between compensation and its primary determinants. By controlling for revenue generation, attendance, and on-court performance, the model isolates the effect of league affiliation on player wages. The central question is whether league membership remains a statistically significant predictor of salary once these observable economic factors are held constant.
Rather than beginning with the assumption that bias exists, this thesis takes a data-driven approach to test whether observable economic factors actually explain pay disparities in professional basketball. If a statistically significant wage gap remains after controlling for revenue, attendance, and performance, it would suggest that additional factors may be influencing compensation. Ultimately, this research aims to move the conversation beyond assumptions and provide a clearer, evidence-based understanding of how wages are determined in professional sports and what may be driving persistent disparities.