Wage gap between NBA and WNBA
| Author: | Bc. Magdaléna Báčová |
|---|---|
| Year: | 2022 - summer |
| Leaders: | Mgr. Roman Kalabiška |
| Consultants: | |
| Work type: | Bachelors |
| Language: | English |
| Pages: | 43 |
| Awards and prizes: | |
| Link: | https://dspace.cuni.cz/handle/20.500.11956/175471 |
| Abstract: | A highly discussed topic of the gender wage gap with a specific focus on professional basketball in the United States is examined in this study. The research question asks why and how do the salaries between NBA and WNBA differ. With a final sample of 416 observations from the NBA and 124 from the women’s league considering the 2021 season only, an econometric method of Ordinary Least Squares revealed few noteworthy differences in key salary determinants. Namely, athletes’ peak career age, in regards to earnings, is estimated at the age of 33 in the WNBA and 28 in the case of an NBA player. In addition to that, while points scored appear to be the key salary determinant in both leagues, average minutes played and draft outcome seem to have significance only in the men’s league. Alongside with that, the wage gap is estimated at 98.75%. Theoretical part then summarized differences in salary-settings and restrictions. An interesting finding is that men athletes may reach the maximum possible salary being equal to 35% of their league’s salary cap, whereas the highest-paid athletes in the WNBA get hold of 16.5% of the league’s salary cap only. Additionally, Gini Index of 0.5398 in line with a quantile regression numerically expressed disproportionate distribution of salaries in the NBA. The thesis betokens a complex analysis of how the financial evaluation in the NBA and WNBA currently works. |
