DeWanna Bonner’s Net Worth and Earnings: A Look at the Veteran WNBA Star’s Career and Financial Success
DeWanna Bonner, a seasoned WNBA star and former teammate of Caitlin Clark during her brief stint with the Indiana Fever, has built an impressive career in women’s basketball. Known for her versatility, scoring ability, and leadership, Bonner has established herself as one of the league’s most reliable players. But just how much has she earned throughout her career, and what is her estimated net worth? This article explores Bonner’s financial journey, including her WNBA salary, overseas earnings, endorsements, and investments.
Bonner entered the WNBA in 2009 as the fifth overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury. Over her 15-year career, she has played for the Mercury, Connecticut Sun, and briefly the Indiana Fever before being waived in 2024. As a two-time WNBA champion (2009, 2014) and three-time All-Star, Bonner has been a key contributor to every team she’s played for.
In the WNBA, player salaries vary based on experience and contract negotiations. Bonner, as a veteran player, has earned a significant salary over the years. The WNBA’s current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) sets the maximum salary for veteran players (those with six or more years of experience) at approximately $234,936 for the 2024 season. While Bonner’s exact salary with the Fever wasn’t publicly disclosed, it likely fell within the range of $120,000 to $200,000, given her veteran status and role as a supporting player.
Her highest-earning years came during her time with the Connecticut Sun, where she was a primary scorer and leader. During her peak, she may have earned close to the league’s maximum salary. Over her 15-year WNBA career, Bonner has likely accumulated between $2 million to $3 million in league earnings alone.
Like many WNBA players, Bonner has supplemented her income by playing overseas during the WNBA offseason. She has had successful stints in Turkey, Russia, and China, where top female basketball players can earn significantly more than in the WNBA.
In leagues such as the EuroLeague Women and the Chinese WCBA, elite players can command salaries ranging from $200,000 to over $1 million per season. Bonner, being an established WNBA star, likely earned between $300,000 and $600,000 annually during her overseas career. Over a decade of playing abroad, she may have added an additional $3 million to $5 million to her net worth.
While WNBA players generally don’t earn as much from endorsements as their NBA counterparts, Bonner has still secured deals with brands such as Nike and other sports-related companies. Given her longevity in the league and her reputation as a dependable scorer, she has likely earned a modest but steady income from sponsorships.
Although exact figures aren’t publicly available, it’s reasonable to estimate that Bonner has earned between $50,000 to $200,000 annually from endorsements throughout her career. Over 15 years, this could add another $750,000 to $1.5 million to her total earnings.
Smart financial planning is crucial for professional athletes, and Bonner has likely invested some of her earnings. Many WNBA players invest in real estate, stocks, or business ventures to secure their financial future. While there’s limited public information about Bonner’s investments, it’s common for players of her stature to diversify their income streams.
If she has invested wisely, her net worth could be significantly higher than her career earnings alone. Real estate, in particular, is a popular choice among athletes, and Bonner may own properties that appreciate in value over time.
Taking into account her WNBA salary, overseas earnings, endorsements, and potential investments, DeWanna Bonner’s estimated net worth in 2024 is between $5 million and $8 million. This places her among the more financially successful WNBA players, though not at the very top tier occupied by superstars like Diana Taurasi or Sue Bird.
Her ability to maintain a long career, play at a high level, and maximize earnings overseas has contributed significantly to her financial stability. Additionally, her disciplined approach to finances—avoiding the pitfalls that some athletes face—has likely helped her grow her wealth over time.
While Bonner has built her wealth over 15 years, Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s rookie sensation, is poised to earn substantially more in a shorter time frame. Clark’s NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals in college, combined with her high-profile WNBA entry and endorsement potential, could make her one of the highest-earning women’s basketball players ever.
Bonner’s career earnings reflect the realities of the WNBA’s pay structure before the recent surge in popularity and revenue. Clark, on the other hand, enters the league at a time when media deals and sponsorship opportunities for women’s basketball are expanding rapidly.
Bonner’s career highlights both the challenges and opportunities for WNBA players. While the league’s salaries have historically been modest, top players can still build substantial wealth through overseas play, endorsements, and smart financial management. Bonner’s longevity and consistency have allowed her to maximize her earnings in a way that many players don’t.
Her story also underscores the importance of financial literacy for professional athletes. By leveraging her skills internationally and maintaining a strong brand, she has secured a comfortable net worth that will support her beyond her playing days.
DeWanna Bonner’s estimated net worth of $5 million to $8 million reflects a successful and well-managed basketball career. While she may not be the highest-paid player in WNBA history, her earnings from the league, overseas contracts, and endorsements demonstrate how a veteran player can achieve financial success. As the WNBA continues to grow, future stars like Caitlin Clark may surpass these figures, but Bonner’s career remains a testament to hard work, adaptability, and smart financial planning in women’s basketball.
