Life Off the Court: What WNBA Players Do in the Off Season

While the WNBA season typically runs from May through September, the life of a professional women's basketball player doesn't pause when the final buzzer sounds. In fact, for many WNBA athletes, the offseason is often just as demanding and dynamic as the regular season. From playing overseas to launching businesses and advocating for social change, WNBA players wear many hats when they step away from the court. In this article, we take a closer look at what these elite athletes do during the offseason and why it's more than just a break—it’s an extension of their impact.

Playing Overseas: A Second Season

For decades, one of the most common offseason pursuits for WNBA players has been competing internationally. Due to historically lower salaries in the WNBA compared to other pro sports, many athletes supplement their income by joining teams in Europe, Asia, or Australia during the fall and winter months.

Countries like Russia, Turkey, China, and Spain are popular destinations for WNBA stars, where contracts can be significantly more lucrative. Some players even earn more in a few months overseas than during an entire WNBA season. Legends like Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, and Breanna Stewart have all played abroad in the offseason, often leading their international teams to championships while refining their skills year-round.

Training and Personal Development

For those who stay stateside, the offseason is a critical time for rest, recovery, and personal growth. Many players use this period to heal from injuries, engage in intense physical training, or work with personal coaches to improve specific areas of their game.

Strength training, skill drills, and performance recovery sessions dominate the daily routine for athletes who want to return to the WNBA stronger and more efficient. Nutrition and mental health also become priorities, with players focusing on holistic well-being to maintain peak performance levels over time.

Business Ventures and Branding

The modern WNBA player is not just an athlete—they're a brand. Off the court, many players use the offseason to build personal businesses, launch product lines, or pursue entrepreneurial goals. Candace Parker has her own production company and sneaker line, while Skylar Diggins-Smith has secured endorsement deals with major fitness and fashion brands.

Social media has become a powerful platform for WNBA players to share their stories, connect with fans, and grow their personal brands. Influencer marketing, podcast hosting, public speaking, and content creation are now common offseason activities that bring visibility and financial stability beyond the game.

Giving Back: Community and Activism

WNBA players are known for being vocal, socially conscious leaders—and the offseason is often when they ramp up their efforts. Whether it’s hosting basketball camps, supporting youth programs, or advocating for racial justice and gender equity, these athletes use their time off to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Players like Natasha Cloud and Maya Moore have made headlines for their offseason activism. Moore famously stepped away from basketball entirely to focus on criminal justice reform and helped free a wrongly convicted man. This level of commitment underscores the powerful role WNBA athletes play both on and off the hardwood.

Education and Career Development

Some WNBA players choose to use the offseason to pursue higher education or prepare for life after basketball. Online degree programs, coaching certifications, and media training are just a few of the avenues explored. The league and its partners also offer offseason career development programs to help players plan for long-term success beyond their playing days.

These efforts ensure that players are not only ready for the next season, but also equipped with skills and resources to thrive in whatever career path they choose afterward—whether it’s broadcasting, coaching, entrepreneurship, or advocacy.

The WNBA offseason is anything but idle. Whether competing on international courts, training for peak performance, building brands, or leading in social justice, WNBA players make the most of every month off the calendar. Their dedication, hustle, and impact extend far beyond the summer schedule—making them not just athletes, but global leaders in sport and society. So the next time the WNBA season ends, remember: for these women, the work never really stops.