The world of women's professional basketball is not just about on-court glory but also significant financial success. Two prominent names, Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks and Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever, exemplify this trend. Both athletes have carved impressive careers, leading to a fascinating comparison of their financial standings. Interestingly, their current net worth estimates reveal a dead heat, each valued at an impressive $2 million.
Kelsey Plum's Financial Slam Dunk
Kelsey Plum entered the WNBA in 2017 as the number one overall pick by the Las Vegas Aces. Her professional journey has been marked by lucrative contracts and strategic moves. A significant portion of her wealth stems from her WNBA salaries. In 2020, she inked a three-year deal with the Aces worth $423,250. This was followed by a two-year extension in 2022 valued at $400,000. Her most recent move was signing a single-year contract with the Los Angeles Sparks for $202,000 in 2025. By mid-2025, her total career earnings from the league had crossed the $1 million mark.
Beyond the WNBA, Plum has boosted her income by playing overseas during the off-season. She played for Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray, earning $120,000 in just six months. Later, with another Turkish club, Fenerbahçe, she commanded $100,000 per season. Her marketability off the court is equally strong, with endorsement deals from major brands like Under Armour, Google, Skims, Target, and Buffy Protein.
Sophie Cunningham's Rising Financial Graph
Sophie Cunningham entered the league two years after Plum, drafted 13th overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2019. While her career earnings in the WNBA are currently lower, her net worth matches Plum's due to strong endorsement growth. Her league contracts include a two-year deal worth $304,500 for the 2023-2024 seasons. In 2025, she signed a one-year contract with the Indiana Fever for $100,000. By the conclusion of the 2025 season, her total WNBA career earnings stood at $637,780. She also gained international experience, playing for the Melbourne Boomers in Australia from 2019 to 2020.
Cunningham's financial portfolio has seen a substantial boost from brand partnerships. She has become a sought-after name, associating with brands like Adidas, Arby's, Ring Home Security, and Sun-Cruiser. Experts suggest that given her current trajectory, her salary and endorsement value are poised for a significant rise in the coming seasons.
The Verdict: A Financial Tie With Bright Futures
Based on the latest available figures, the net worth battle between Kelsey Plum and Sophie Cunningham ends in a tie. Both stars have amassed an estimated $2 million fortune through a combination of athletic salaries and smart brand alliances. Plum has a lead in cumulative career earnings from basketball, while Cunningham is rapidly closing the gap with a surge in endorsement deals. This comparison highlights the growing economic power and marketability of WNBA athletes, proving that success in women's basketball translates into substantial financial reward. Their journeys underscore a promising era for the sport's financial ecosystem.
