Candace Parker is a WNBA legend, a three-time champion, and one of the most respected voices in women’s sports. In a recent podcast appearance, Parker pulled back the curtain on the financial challenges she faced during her career, even while playing at the highest level. Her honest perspective is fueling new conversations about how far women’s basketball has come and how much work remains to be done.
Candace Parker Shares How She Earned Her Real Money Overseas
On the “All Facts No Brakes” podcast, Parker discussed why she spent so many offseasons playing basketball in other countries. She explained that WNBA salaries during her prime years were not enough to support her, which led her to play in Russia, China, and Turkey to earn a real living.
While today’s stars are building million-dollar brands, Parker made it clear her journey looked much different.
“I had to go overseas, but I also got to. I made my real money in Russia, Turkey, and China,” she said. “The WNBA was my summer job, but the W gave me visibility. Caitlin Clark doesn’t have to now, thanks to NIL.”
Parker’s comments resonated because of her status in the league. She is a three-time WNBA champion and a seven-time All-Star, widely recognized as one of the most accomplished players in league history.
Despite her achievements, Parker earned a total of just $1,062,500 during her WNBA career, according to Spotrac. Her final contract was with the Las Vegas Aces in 2024, paying her $100,000 for one year. By comparison, the average rookie contract in the NBA is about $3 million.
To support herself, Parker played overseas in the offseason. She suited up for UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia for five years between 2010 and 2015. In 2016, she joined the Guangdong Dolphins in China for the playoffs. The following year, she signed a short-term deal with Fenerbahçe in Turkey, and in 2017, she played for the Xinjiang Magic Deer in China.
For Parker, playing abroad was not a choice, but a necessity. Even though her current net worth is estimated between $5 million and $8.1 million, much of that came from her time overseas.
NIL Era Changes the Game for New Stars
The timing of Parker’s comments is significant. Today, a new wave of women’s basketball players is entering the league with endorsement deals, brand partnerships, and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earnings that were unheard of just a few years ago.
The NCAA introduced its interim NIL policy in 2021, allowing college athletes to sign endorsement deals. This change has been especially impactful for women’s basketball.
Caitlin Clark, the top pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, is a prime example. During her time at Iowa, she earned an estimated $3.1 million through NIL deals. She partnered with major brands like Nike and Gatorade, which helped boost her wealth. After college, she signed a $28 million contract with Nike that includes a signature shoe. In 2024 alone, she made about $11 million from endorsements and NIL.
Angel Reese, another rising WNBA star, signed 17 NIL deals in college, including with Reebok, PlayStation, Amazon, and Calvin Klein, worth an estimated $1.7 million before she entered the league. As of January 2025, Reese had more than 20 endorsement deals, including a multi-year contract with Reebok and other major brands.
Parker recognized this shift, noting that Clark does not need to play overseas for financial reasons, thanks to the visibility and opportunities now available to players.
Still, WNBA pay remains a point of tension. Players such as Kelsey Plum, Gabby Williams, and Reese have spoken publicly about low salaries. Reese has even said her WNBA paycheck does not cover her $8,000 monthly rent.
In October 2024, WNBA players took action by opting out of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Players are pushing for better pay, benefits, and working conditions. The CBA will now expire in 2025, two years earlier than planned.
With new leagues like Unrivaled emerging and more brands investing in women’s basketball, Parker’s story is a reminder of the league’s progress and the challenges that remain.
