Canberra Capitals co-captain Marianna Tolo has praised an expected WNBL landmark deal which will see Australia's best female basketballer's paid a minimum wage, but added there is still work to be done.
It is understood WNBL players will be paid a minimum $7500 per season and for the first time their contracts will be honoured if they fall pregnant.
Marianna Tolo has praised a new minimum pay deal for WNBL players.Credit:Jay Cronan
Currently 20 per cent of WNBL players are paid under $5000 or not at all, while the average wage per seven-month season is reportedly $24,000.
"It's a good thing for the league because we've never had a minimum wage before and one in five girls playing are on $5000 or less, so it's a huge step," Tolo said.
"Obviously it's a still a bit low from where people will want it or expect it to be, but it's a great stepping stone and it's great to have the pregnancy clause written into contracts now."
Tolo enjoyed a stellar comeback campaign for the Capitals this season and was named the club's MVP, as well as the WNBL defensive player of the year, but is now Europe-bound.
"To be able to hold some players like myself and other girls from going to Europe a little more has to be done, but players will always leave because it's not always about the money," Tolo said.
"It's the exposure to different players in a different competition and travelling overseas is always a drawcard, but this deal will definitely encourage some players to stay."
The announcement is expected on the back of a TV deal as negotiations to bring WNBL action back to the small screen continue, after the ABC dumped its coverage in 2014-15.
"Getting back on TV is a big motivator for getting better pay and everyone wants it because we are one of the best women's competitions in Australia," Tolo said.
Super Netball players pocket at least $27,375 per season, WNCL set the bar at $11,000, AFLW contracts start at $8500, while there is no minimum wage in the W-League.
As the Capitals' representative on the players' association, Tolo was a part of the consultation process and said while the deal may be overdue, the future for female athletes looks bright.
"It's an exciting time, especially when I see my friends like Bec Goddard, Erin Phillips and Jess Bibby in the AFLW, it's exciting to see and we know basketball has made a lot inroads as well," Tolo said.
"It's also great to see supporters jumping on board and coming out to watch high-quality female sport, it's a great time to be a female athlete and I hope it continues.
"The WNBL has been self-sustained for the last couple of years and now the AFL is making that push for all sports, it doesn't matter when it's happened but rather that it is happening."
Eamonn Tiernan is a sports reporter with The Canberra Times