
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 1, 2024; Paris, France; Australia player Anneli Maley (24) grabs a rebound against the United States in a pool round game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at La Concorde 1. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Aug 1, 2024; Paris, France; Australia player Anneli Maley (24) grabs a rebound against the United States in a pool round game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at La Concorde 1. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Energy and hustle define Anneli Maley’s game, traits that have shone globally. Signing with the Los Angeles Sparks in February 2025 felt like a dream come true for her. It was a big moment. But just days after training camp started on April 27, her dreams were dashed. The 2022 WNBL MVP, who was expected to make a significant impact, was waived. A decision that left many disappointed.
Maley’s journey began in 2016-17 when she burst onto the scene with Adelaide Lightning as a teenager. She later ventured into college basketball with the Oregon Ducks and the TCU Horned Frogs. After a brief break, she returned to Australia and took the NBL1 by storm with the Eltham Wildcats. Her defensive prowess shone, and in 2020, she had a breakout season with the Sydney Flames. Her hard work on the offensive side paid off in spades. Maley made a massive impact for Bendigo Spirit, winning the 2021-22 Suzy Batkovic Medal. It was just the beginning of an incredible year. She was named league MVP, debuted for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA, and earned a spot on the FIBA World Cup team– where the Opals claimed a bronze medal.
Maley’s WNBA journey has been tough so far. She managed just four games with the Chicago Sky, finding it tough to carve out a role. In those games, she averaged 2.0 points and 1.8 rebounds, shooting an efficient 50% from the field. The wait now continues for Maley to make her mark in the W. With the news of her being waived, it’s the perfect time to take a closer look at her WNBA salary.
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What were Anneli Maley’s current contract details with the Sparks?
“I’m thrilled to welcome Anneli,” said Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts on February 2, 2025, highlighting her toughness and rebounding as key assets. But that chapter was cut short. Per Spotrac, the contract was a one-year deal. While the exact contract details weren’t made public, several reports confirmed it was a training camp invite—similar to the one she previously received with the Chicago Sky.
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What was Anneli Maley’s salary as of 2025?
Unfortunately, her current salary in the WNBL and NBL1 remains unknown. However, her WNBA earnings with the Chicago Sky have been confirmed by Spotrac. After going undrafted in the 2022 WNBA Draft, Maley received a training camp invitation from the Sky. She signed training camp deals for both the 2022 and 2023 seasons—appearing in four games in 2022 and none in 2023.
According to Spotrac, Maley earned $60,471 in 2022 and $62,285 in 2023. It’s not a huge paycheck, but that’s typically what players on training camp contracts make in the W. With Sparks, the contract was valued at $66,079, per Spotrac, which aligns with the league’s minimum salary for players with 0-2 Years of Service in the WNBA.
What’s your perspective on:
Did the Sparks make a mistake waiving Anneli Maley, or was it the right call?
Have an interesting take?
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What are Anneli Maley’s endorsement deals as of 2025?
Unfortunately, there isn’t much public information available online about Maley’s endorsement deals. But one thing we do know is that she’s the ambassador for the Pride Basketball Australia Tournament. It’s Australia’s premier 3-day basketball event for the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.
“I’m super excited to be involved with the Pride Basketball Australia Tournament. Inclusivity is a baseline, not a recommendation. I hope that basketball becomes a space for people to be who they are at every level from grassroots to professional sport. And I will always advocate and pioneer in every way I can to show that,” said Maley. A big platform, and Maley’s involvement shows just how committed she is to creating safe, inclusive spaces in the sport.
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"Did the Sparks make a mistake waiving Anneli Maley, or was it the right call?"