‘Janitor in the Arena Made More Than Me’: Diana Taurasi’s Comment Goes Viral

‘Janitor in the Arena Made More Than Me’: Diana Taurasi’s Comment Goes Viral originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Prime Video will debut "Taurasi" on Thursday, a three-part docuseries chronicling Diana Taurasi’s journey from UConn phenom to WNBA icon and international superstar.

In a candid clip that’s already gone viral, Taurasi reflects on the stark pay inequities she faced early in her pro career, saying, "I'm the best player in the world... the [expletive] janitor in the arena made more than me."

In 2019, during a 30 for 30 Podcast episode called, "The Spy Who Signed Me," Taurasi echoed a similar sentiment.

"$45,000? Like, that’s what I’m going to make? That’s what I’m going to make after four years of playing at the most prestigious basketball college," Taurasi said. "That’s what I’m going to make?  I mean, the janitors are going to make more than me. The guy who takes the floor out and puts it back… he’s going to be making more than me."

Her latest comments from "Taurasi" captures the frustration that ultimately drove Taurasi to chase higher pay overseas during many WNBA off-seasons.

Diana Taurasi's WNBA Contracts and Career Earnings

Taurasi’s WNBA pay never matched her on-court dominance.

Her rookie salary in 2004 was just $42,000, a figure she said was nowhere near a living wage in the documentary.

Subsequent collective-bargaining agreements gradually raised veteran maximums and by signing a two-year, $469,872 deal in February 2023, Taurasi earned an average of $234,936 per season through 2024.

Over her 20-year run, she amassed approximately $1,38 million in WNBA salary.

Endorsements and offseason play overseas boosted her net worth to an estimated $3.5 million by 2025, but those gains still pale in comparison to what even mid-level NBA players make.

How Diana Taurasi's Comments Could Reshape Future WNBA CBA Negotiations

The contrast between domestic and overseas salaries has long fueled WNBA players' advocacy, but Taurasi’s blunt confession adds star power to the conversation.

WNBA viewership, sponsorship and broadcast deals have surged since 2020, leading many current players to emphatically demand higher wages through improved league revenue sharing and expanded salary caps.

With the WNBA set to unveil a revamped collective bargaining agreement in October, Taurasi’s reflections arrive at a pivotal moment.

As one of the true legends of the game, her words carry weight and could be the driving force that ensures future stars won’t need to chase overseas paychecks to thrive.

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.