Liz Cambage just revealed that one week on OnlyFans earned her more than an entire decade in the WNBA—shattering expectations and sparking a pay debate that could reshape women’s basketball.
In October 2025, former WNBA star Liz Cambage sparked intense debate over women’s professional sports pay after revealing that her OnlyFans earnings reportedly surpass what she made during her entire basketball career. The Australian forward, a high-profile figure in international and U.S. basketball circles, underscores a growing financial reality: talented female athletes often must look beyond their sport to achieve financial stability.
With the WNBA’s 2025 season concluding and a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) looming, Cambage’s revelations resonate across both sports and business communities.
Cambage’s Career Earnings vs. OnlyFans
Drafted second overall in the 2011 WNBA Draft by the Tulsa Shock, Cambage had a career marked by both brilliance and interruptions. She represented Australia at the London 2012 Olympics, took breaks from the league, and played for multiple WNBA teams, including the Dallas Wings, Las Vegas Aces, and Los Angeles Sparks, before departing in 2022.
Across her WNBA tenure, Cambage reportedly earned a total of $590,836, according to Spotrac. In contrast, media reports indicate she has generated approximately $1.5 million on OnlyFans in under a year—a figure that more than doubles her WNBA earnings. While these numbers cannot be independently verified, they highlight the dramatic income potential outside traditional sports contracts.
The Business of Going Beyond the Court
Cambage’s pivot reflects a broader trend: athletes leveraging personal brands and social media platforms to supplement or surpass income from professional play. For WNBA players, where rookie salaries start around $66,079 and cap at roughly $214,466 for top veterans, the financial incentives of alternative revenue streams can be transformative.
Cambage has been candid about her reasoning, advising current players to diversify income: “You know the WNBA salary, it’s not hard to make more money doing anything. I feel like women gotta make more money playing the sport they love. I think everyone has gotta get it how they can … as I’m standing here in a mink.”
The financial landscape is further complicated by endorsement deals, international contracts, and emerging leagues like the 3v3 Unrivaled competition, which reportedly offers over $350,000 per season plus performance bonuses. These opportunities can eclipse traditional WNBA contracts, particularly for younger, marketable athletes.
Liz Cambage turns heads on the red carpet with her bold fashion and confident style.
WNBA Pay Disparities and the Upcoming CBA
The timing of Cambage’s statements coincides with the league’s CBA negotiations, set to expire at the end of October 2025. Reports from Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier highlighted tension between players and commissioner Cathy Engelbert regarding revenue sharing and pay growth, suggesting the league may face pressure to adjust salaries amid public scrutiny.
For context, the 2025 WNBA rookie maximum salary is $78,831 per year, while stars like Arike Ogunbowale earn more than $725,000. Yet even top salaries pale in comparison to potential earnings from monetized personal content and endorsements. For Cambage and others, this disparity illustrates a crucial financial lesson: relying solely on league pay may not maximize lifetime earning potential.
People Also Ask
How much did Liz Cambage reportedly earn on OnlyFans compared to the WNBA?
Reports suggest she earned $1.5 million on OnlyFans in under a year, more than doubling her $590,836 WNBA career earnings.
Why are WNBA salaries so low compared to other income opportunities?
The league’s salary structure is constrained by revenue sharing, media rights, and collective bargaining terms, creating financial gaps that players often bridge via endorsements or content platforms.
How does this affect current and future WNBA players?
It underscores the importance of brand development, alternate revenue streams, and negotiating stronger contracts under the new CBA. Players may prioritize exposure and personal monetization alongside on-court performance.
Financial Implications for the League and Athletes
Cambage’s success off the court exposes the economic realities confronting the WNBA. For the league, rising player awareness and public attention to pay disparities may pressure management to renegotiate contracts or enhance revenue-sharing models. For athletes, building personal brands is no longer optional—it’s a vital financial strategy.
While the WNBA continues to grow in popularity and media exposure, Cambage’s reported OnlyFans earnings illustrate that the most lucrative financial gains may come outside traditional sports frameworks. For aspiring players, understanding the interplay between sports, media, and personal branding is increasingly critical to financial security and long-term career sustainability.
Final Thoughts
Liz Cambage’s bold pivot from WNBA courts to OnlyFans highlights a stark truth for female athletes: talent alone may not guarantee financial stability. As the league negotiates its next CBA and emerging stars like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers enter the fold, Cambage’s story serves as a financial roadmap—and a warning—illustrating the value of alternative revenue streams, savvy branding, and strategic career planning in 2025’s competitive sports economy.
