Breanna Stewart is staying with the New York Liberty after signing a new contract that boosts her earnings and proves her value in court. Stewart, 30, made her mark as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft. She won Rookie of the Year and set a defensive rebounding record with the Seattle Storm.
Like many WNBA players, Stewart has made more money playing overseas in the offseason. She’s played for top EuroLeague teams like UMMC Ekaterinburg and Fenerbahçe, where salaries and perks are much higher. Off the court, she adds to her income through endorsements, including a deal with Nike.
Breanna Stewart’s WNBA Contract Details
For the second consecutive year, the two-time MVP re-signed with the New York Liberty on March 29, 2025. This time, she agreed to a one-year deal worth $208,400, less than the WNBA’s supermax salary.
The league’s supermax is $249,244, but Stewart chose to take a smaller amount. Her contract puts her at the top of New York’s payroll, just ahead of Sabrina Ionescu, who makes $205,030.
This is the second time Stewart has taken less money to help the team. Her contract was delayed this year as she and the Liberty worked through the details. Her decision made room to keep the team’s core together.
Stewart’s salary of $208,400 makes her one of the five highest-paid players in the WNBA for 2025, only behind Jackie Young ($252,450) and Kelsey Mitchell ($249,244). Spotrac’s salary ranking puts her above well-known stars such as Jewell Loyd ($245,508) and A’ja Wilson ($227,303).
Although WNBA salaries have increased since the 2020 collective bargaining agreement, they still fall far short of what NBA players make.
Since entering the league in 2016, Stewart has made about $1.14 million in WNBA salary, ranking her 10th in career earnings. Her pay has steadily grown from around $47,711 as a rookie to $205,000 in 2024 and $208,400 this season.
By turning down the supermax, Stewart helped the Liberty keep key players like Jonquel Jones and Ionescu, and add veteran guard Natasha Cloud through a trade.
Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb said re-signing Stewart was the team’s top offseason goal. “Bringing Stewie back to the Liberty was our top priority this offseason,” he said.
Kolb added that Stewart’s return was key to keeping the championship core together while staying under the WNBA’s $1.5 million salary cap. “Her impact on and off the court is immeasurable—she’s not only one of the best and most accomplished players in the world, but a leader whose relentless drive is foundational to the standard we continue to build upon in New York,” he said.
Stewart’s Growth Trajectory in WNBA
Stewart signed a one-year deal to join the Liberty in February 2023. She helped lead the team to its first WNBA championship, averaging 20.8 points and 8.7 rebounds during the playoffs.
Her comeback from a 2019 Achilles injury has only added to her legacy. Last season, she averaged 20.4 points, 3.5 assists, 8.5 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game during the team’s championship run.
Stewart’s value transcends dollars. She averaged 20.4 points, 3.5 assists, 8.5 rebounds, along with 1.7 steals and 1.3 blocks per game during the New York Liberty’s iconic title run in 2024.
The 2020 CBA brought higher max salaries and better benefits. Still, WNBA pay is limited by shorter seasons and league revenue. Stewart, Ionescu, and Angel Reese are among the stars pushing for stronger deals as interest in women’s basketball grows.
While Stewart’s salary is high by WNBA standards, it shows the gap between women’s and men’s pro basketball. Team USA’s NBA players have earned $2.5 billion combined, while the U.S. women’s Olympic roster has earned only $9.3 million.
Stewart’s value should keep rising as she enters her prime and the league grows. Stewart could earn even more if future CBAs raise the salary cap and revenue sharing. For now, her one-year deal shows she’s focused on winning—and helping the Liberty stay strong.
