Cheryl Miller remembers the days when women’s basketball didn’t draw much attention. Now, she’s witnessing the rise of a sport she helped build in the United States.
During Miller’s playing days, the WNBA and the higher-paying Unrivaled League didn’t exist. Now, she’s speaking out about player salaries, pushing for higher pay as interest in the sport grows.
Cheryl Miller Calls Out the WNBA for Low Salaries in the NIL Era
The debate over WNBA salaries has been ongoing for some time. Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese recently stated she plans to “sit out” the season if CBA negotiations don’t favor the players.
Miller, during her appearance on the “All The Smoke” podcast, backed the players’ concerns. She pointed out that with NIL deals, female college basketball players are earning more than many WNBA players.
She also praised the rule requiring women’s college basketball players to complete four NCAA seasons (or be at least 22 years old during their draft year) before becoming WNBA draft-eligible.
“It’s a God bless that that rule is there. Yes, it needs to stay there until the W[NBA] finally financially can,” Miller said.
“Now that’s when you’d really see me step out and slap somebody. Now, what are you talking about? What are you thinking? You’re hurting your brand early to go [to the WNBA]. Wait, wait, wait. [The NCAA] is your foundation. This is where your money is for right now.”
“It’s kind of backwards where, for [the NBA], the regular season was where you made your money. But the playoffs is where you made your fame,” she added.
Miller’s message to upcoming WNBA stars is clear: Stay in college, improve your game, and build your brand until the new CBA deal is finalized.
Miller Justifies the Hype Behind Caitlin Clark
Miller worked with Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark during the WNBA All-Star break, coaching the young point guard. During her podcast appearance, she said Clark’s rise benefits the entire sport.
“Is she getting hyped? Yes,” Miller said. “But she was in the backyard. She was putting in the same time, sometimes maybe more than you were. I can’t fault her for what she was given.”
“You big dummies. You [are] getting paid now, right? Everybody now has an opportunity to pull up their chair and have a seat [at the table].”
Miller’s praise for Clark shows the 23-year-old has a strong mentor in her corner — someone she can lean on for advice as she navigates her career.