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.
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."
