The Thunderdome

We all know the reason why. These women are paid very little, but it is due to economics. The WNBA exists only because the NBA subsidizes them. Until the WNBA can consistently draw the crowds the NBA does AT THE NBA prices (as well as sell a comparable number of merch), then the WNBA players will always be paid way, way less. Women overwhelmingly still prefer the NBA. And, of course, men prefer the NBA. The WNBA is not self-sufficient and cannot survive on its own.