Ariel Helwani suggests UFC fighters mirror WNBA stars amid pay complaints
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images Ariel Helwani has pointed to the WNBA as a blueprint for change, and his message to UFC fighters is difficult to ignore. Fighter pay has become one of the most discussed issues in the MMA’s premier promotion, with several high-profile names speaking out in recent months, such as Justin Gaethje, Michael ‘Venom’ Page and Sean Strickland. At the same time, another league has taken a decisive step forward in financial terms.
The WNBA reached a new collective bargaining agreement last Wednesday, dramatically increasing player earnings across the board. That contrast has not gone unnoticed, and Helwani believes it highlights exactly what UFC fighters are missing. Ariel Helwani points to WNBA unity as model for UFC fighters Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images Following the agreement, WNBA players secured major financial improvements.
The salary cap is set to rise to $7 million from $1. 5 million, while the supermax will jump to $1. 4 million from $249,244.
Average salaries are expected to reach around $600,000, with minimum pay expected to be over $300,000, a significant increase from $66,079. Amid that breakthrough, Helwani took to X with a pointed observation. “WNBA players felt they weren’t getting what they deserved.
They came together, held their ground and look what happened. Gee, I wonder if … nah, forget it,” he wrote. Lack of unity among UFC fighters remains key barrier Helwani’s remark underlines a recurring issue in MMA, the absence of collective action.