The excitement surrounding the WNBA is heating up as the new season approaches, with significant developments off the court. From expansion drafts to a landmark collective bargaining agreement that will reshape player salaries, the league is gearing up for an eventful year. With the WNBA Draft set for April 13, many talented players, including some from the recent NCAA champions, are poised to join the ranks.
Major Changes Ahead of the New Season
The WNBA’s expansion teams, the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire, held their draft on April 6, just as the league’s free agency period commenced the following day. This offseason marks a pivotal moment for the WNBA, as the newly established collective bargaining agreement significantly increases the salary cap for teams from $1.5 million to $7 million.
Like the NBA, WNBA players’ earnings will also be tied to their years of experience. The new contracts promise a substantial change in the financial landscape of the league.
Impact on Player Salaries
Star veterans will now have opportunities to earn supermax contracts. A shining example is A’ja Wilson, drafted by the Las Vegas Aces in 2018. During her eight seasons, she has averaged an impressive 21.4 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, establishing her as a key player deserving of a max contract at just 29 years old.
Last season, Wilson’s salary was $200,000. Under the new collective bargaining agreement, she is eligible for a supermax contract valued at $1.4 million.
The league estimates that the average player salary will reach $583,000, reflecting a significant increase from last year’s pay for mid-tier veterans, which ranged from $125,000 to $150,000. Even entry-level salaries are seeing a rise; players with no previous experience will earn $270,000, with incremental increases for each additional year of service, topping out at $300,000 for players with a decade in the league.
Rising stars such as Caitlin Clark and Cameron Brink will also benefit from the restructuring of rookie contracts. Both players, who were the first and second picks in the 2024 draft, had a base salary of $78,066 from the previous year. The new contract structure will see their compensation rise, adjusted by a 4% reduction for each year in the league, bringing their 2026 earnings to about $530,000. Additionally, those highlighted for exceptional performance can now sign three-year contract extensions before the start of their fourth season, an opportunity Clark is likely to capitalize on.
For incoming rookies, including this year’s top draft pick who will command a salary of $500,000 in her first season, the financial future looks promising compared to previous contracts, such as Paige Bueckers’ four-year, $340,000 deal from last year.
The WNBA’s growing popularity, strengthened by the influx of new talent, continues to bring more financial opportunities for players and a brighter future for the league.
Meet William, a proud Bethel University alumnus with a fervent passion for lifestyle and culture topics. His keen interest doesn’t stop there; he’s also deeply engrossed in current events of all kinds. William dedicates himself wholeheartedly to this site, thriving on the collaborative energy he shares with Suzanne, his long-standing partner in crime.
Having navigated their university courses side by side for years, their teamwork on the site is nothing short of dynamic. Together, they bring a unique blend of insights, proving that two heads are indeed better than one in delivering compelling content.
