What sport has the worst gender pay gap?

The Widest Gender Pay Gap in Sports? Basketball Takes the Lead—For the Wrong Reasons

When it comes to pay inequality in professional sports, one league stands out for all the wrong reasons: basketball. While the NBA boasts an average athlete compensation of over $10.7 million, the WNBA lags dramatically behind at just $113,295. That’s a staggering gap—nearly 100 times less for women playing the same sport at the highest level in the U.S.

This disparity isn't just about salaries. It reflects deeper issues in media coverage, sponsorship, and investment. Despite consistently high performance and growing fan engagement, WNBA players face systemic underfunding. They often play overseas during the off-season just to make ends meet, while their male counterparts enjoy multi-million-dollar contracts and global recognition.

Other sports show inequality too, but not as dramatically. In golf, PGA players earn roughly three times more than LPGA athletes. Soccer sees a similar pattern, with MLS players averaging over eight times the income of NWSL athletes. Tennis, by contrast, is a relative bright spot. Thanks to equal prize money at major tournaments like the Grand Slams, the gap is narrower—though still present at $1.5 million versus $1 million for the top 100 players.

While progress has been made—especially in tennis—the overall picture remains bleak. The sports world continues to undervalue women’s athleticism, despite proven demand and performance. Fans fill arenas, ratings rise, and yet pay and resources don’t follow.

Change is possible, but it starts with recognition. Highlighting these gaps, supporting women’s leagues, and holding organizations accountable can help close the divide. Because when it comes to talent and dedication, the game is already equal—even if the paycheck isn’t.