Winning championships is no longer the only goal for many WNBA stars. Today, some of the league’s biggest names are also focusing on building wealth that can support their families for generations.
As women’s basketball continues to grow, players like Napheesa Collier, Sydney Colson, and Breanna Stewart are encouraging athletes to think beyond their playing careers. They believe financial education is just as important as success on the court.
WNBA Players Say Financial Literacy Is the Key to Generational Wealth
The WNBA is enjoying one of the strongest periods in its history. Television audiences continue to rise, arenas are selling out, and corporate partners are investing more money in women’s sports.
However, players say bigger paychecks alone do not guarantee financial security. Instead, learning how to budget, invest, and grow income is what creates lasting wealth.
During WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, financial literacy became a major topic of discussion. Many players agreed that understanding money is essential because a professional sports career only lasts for a limited time.
Sydney Colson Shares Why Saving Alone Is Not Enough
Veteran guard Sydney Colson said she has always believed in saving money. Yet her understanding of personal finance has changed over the years.
“I used to think that just saving was enough,” Colson said. “But I’m learning that it’s good to have a plan, so you’re not getting to the end of playing or the end of whatever career you’re in and realizing 10 years have gone by, and you haven’t done anything to help yourself.”
Colson also praised companies that continue supporting athletes beyond short-term sponsorships. She highlighted Ally for standing by her after she suffered an ACL injury.
“Their investment in women’s sports and in the players is extremely impactful because it really does affect people’s ability to create generational wealth,” she said.
Napheesa Collier Wants Families to Benefit From Today’s Success
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier believes financial education has become even more important as women’s sports continue to expand.
She pointed out that athletes have only a short window to earn professional income. Because of that, every financial decision matters.
“As athletes, we have such a finite amount of time to make this money. This career doesn’t last forever for us.”
Collier also admitted she wishes she had learned budgeting sooner. Now that she is a mother, her financial goals have changed.
“Everything I do is for her,” Collier said about her daughter. “Making sure she’s set up and that I’m putting us as a family in the best position possible is really important to me.”
Breanna Stewart Encourages Athletes to Learn About Investing
New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart said her definition of success has grown over time. Winning games still matters, but building a lasting legacy matters even more.
“At first, it was success on the court, and now it’s so much bigger than that,” Stewart said. “It’s about being impactful and making sure that I leave my mark everywhere I go.”
She also encouraged athletes to study investing and wealth management.
“It hasn’t happened often,” Stewart said about generational wealth among women athletes. “Now with so much more money coming in, you want to be prepared.”
For many female athletes, financial planning is especially important because their earning years are often shorter than those of male athletes.
Financial Education Is Becoming Part of Women’s Sports
Experts believe financial wellness goes far beyond building a large bank account. Jackie Howard, Ally’s Head of Money Wellness, said people’s beliefs about money often shape their financial habits for life.
“Your money should be a reflection of who you are,” Howard said. “It’s your beliefs, your values and how those drive your spending, saving and giving.”
She also encouraged people not to wait until they feel like financial experts before taking action.
“I just need you to try,” Howard said. “The more reps you have, the more confidence you build.”
Meanwhile, Ally’s Chief Marketing and Public Relations Officer Andrea Brimmer said companies are now pairing sponsorships with financial education programs that help athletes prepare for life after sports.
Building Wealth Could Become the WNBA’s Greatest Legacy
Women’s basketball has already reached a new level of popularity. Yet many players believe the next victory will happen away from the court.
Financial education is giving athletes the tools to protect today’s earnings while creating opportunities for future generations.
If today’s WNBA stars continue combining athletic success with smart money decisions, they may leave behind something even greater than championship trophies. They could help redefine what generational wealth looks like for women athletes and inspire others to do the same.
