The WNBA Has More to Fix Than Just Player Salaries: 4 Key Areas That Need Immediate Attention

INDIANAPOLIS — It’s no secret that WNBA players want better compensation — a point made loud and clear during the 2025 All-Star Weekend. While the annual showcase typically centers on the game itself, this year’s event doubled as a platform for players to push for fairer salaries and improved revenue sharing.

With money flowing into the league through expansion fees, broadcast rights, and sponsorships, players are justifiably frustrated by the small portion they currently receive. But as urgent as the salary conversation is, it’s not the only issue standing between the WNBA and sustainable growth.

To thrive in the long term, the league must also address several structural and operational flaws. Here are four major areas that need serious reform — beyond just contracts and compensation.

1. Officiating: A Physical League Needs Officials Who Can Keep Up

Criticizing referees is as old as the sport itself, but in the WNBA’s case, the complaints carry real weight. As the athleticism, pace, and intensity of the women’s game continue to evolve, officiating hasn’t kept up — and it’s having an impact on gameplay.

Referees are frequently behind the action, miss crucial calls, or make poor decisions, all of which disrupt the rhythm of games. Extended video reviews — often handled courtside rather than through a centralized replay center, like in the NBA — further bog down the experience for players and fans alike.

“Our game is growing... and the officiating needs to grow with us,” said A’ja Wilson, center for the Las Vegas Aces. “We’re getting really, really good at what we do — and we need the refs to do the same.”

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert acknowledged the criticisms and noted that the league is investing significant time in reviewing plays and training officials, but it’s clear that a more immediate upgrade is necessary. Instituting a replay center, standardizing call reviews, and improving referee development could be game-changers.

2. Scheduling: Overloaded Calendars Are Burning Players Out

The WNBA’s compact schedule is proving increasingly unsustainable. The Minnesota Lynx, for example, played 11 games between June 24 and July 16, including five games in eight days, with multiple back-to-backs and early tip-offs. Other teams like the New York Liberty and Dallas Wings face similarly grueling stretches in the second half of the season.

“When we received the schedule, we thought it was about as illogical as you can get,” said Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve.

Part of the issue stems from the league increasing the regular season to 44 games, while remaining tied to a tight mid-May to mid-October calendar. Engelbert has expressed hesitation to extend the season further, citing overlap with college football and the NBA season.

But if the WNBA is serious about becoming a premier league, it must start prioritizing player health and competitive integrity over competing sports schedules. Otherwise, it risks overworking its talent and compromising performance quality.

3. Roster Expansion: Too Few Spots, Too Much Talent

Getting drafted into the WNBA is an incredible honor — but it doesn’t guarantee you’ll stick around. With just 12 teams and 156 total roster spots, competition is fierce. Most teams only carry 11 players due to salary cap limitations, meaning even high draft picks are often cut within weeks or months of being selected.

Notable recent examples include second-rounders Madison Scott, Shyanne Sellers, and Dalayah Daniels, all of whom were released shortly after the draft. Even Alissa Pili, a first-round pick in 2024, was cut this July by Minnesota.

For teams, limited rosters have created constant headaches. The Dallas Wings had only eight active players at one point this season, forcing several teams to rely on hardship contracts just to field lineups.

While Engelbert has long preferred league expansion over increasing roster sizes, she now seems more open to the latter — and it can’t come soon enough.

“That is certainly on the list,” she said.

The WNBA needs larger rosters and deeper benches — not just for fairness, but for the safety and consistency of its product.

4. Transparency: Building Trust With Fans and Players Alike

Though not part of collective bargaining talks, transparency is an ongoing concern that affects league credibility. The WNBA’s reluctance to disclose fines, suspensions, and officiating reports has drawn criticism from both fans and media, and raises unnecessary questions about accountability.

By contrast, other leagues embrace transparency:

The NBA publicly releases a Last Two Minute Report detailing officiating decisions in close games.
The NFL, notoriously secretive in other areas, still discloses fines and penalty explanations.

These practices build trust between leagues, fans, and players. For the WNBA, which is still fighting for mainstream respect, adopting similar policies would go a long way toward reinforcing its legitimacy — especially as more people tune in, invest, and speak up.

The Bottom Line: Salaries Matter, But So Does Sustainability

The call for better pay in the WNBA is valid and overdue — but real progress requires a holistic approach. From better officiating and schedule reform, to expanded rosters and greater transparency, these are changes that will strengthen the league from the inside out.

As more money flows into women’s sports and interest in the W continues to grow, the league has a rare opportunity to reshape its future. But to get there, it must listen to its players — and fix what’s holding the game back.

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Improving the WNBA: Why It's About More Than Just Player Pay

The WNBA Has More to Fix Than Just Player Salaries: 4 Key Areas That Need Immediate Attention

1. Officiating: A Physical League Needs Officials Who Can Keep Up

2. Scheduling: Overloaded Calendars Are Burning Players Out

3. Roster Expansion: Too Few Spots, Too Much Talent

4. Transparency: Building Trust With Fans and Players Alike

The Bottom Line: Salaries Matter, But So Does Sustainability

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