WNBA Salaries EXPLODE After New CBA: Millionaires Emerge!

WNBA Salaries EXPLODE After New CBA: Millionaires Emerge!

The WNBA draft night was a huge party in New York, with the UCLA Bruins making history. Five players were selected in the first round, a new record for the program, and six total.

The top pick was Ay Fud, heading to Dallas, making her the seventh UConn player to go first overall. She’ll join a strong backcourt with Paige Beckers and Enrique Owal.

At the draft, the energy was electric. Players and fans alike were buzzing with excitement.

Many of the draftees spoke about joining winning teams and filling important roles. Raven Johnson, heading to Indiana, was highlighted for her defensive skills, seen as a key addition to help the team’s biggest weakness.

Draft Night Trade Shocks the League

A surprising move happened when the Valkyries drafted FA Johnson at number 8, only to immediately trade her to Seattle for Marta Suarez and a 2028 second-round pick. The Valkyries’ GM offered a brief, somewhat confusing explanation, citing exhaustion and a desire to be thoughtful about player evaluations.

The GM stated, “I don’t have a lot to say here. I don’t have a lot of detail to share. One, because I’m exhausted. Two, because I want to be very thoughtful when I’m talking about other humans and their basketball abilities.”

This trade raised many questions. Why would a team trade away a high first-round pick for future considerations without knowing who might be available? It also highlighted a rule that prevents teams from trading draft picks during the draft itself, a common practice in other sports.

The confusion surrounding the trade was evident. One analyst noted that if the Valkyries wanted Marta Suarez, they could have simply drafted her directly instead of trading for FA Johnson. The move was described as bizarre, though Seattle is seen as gaining a valuable player.

Free Agency Frenzy: A New Era for WNBA Finances

Following the draft, free agency kicked off with unprecedented activity. A record 123 players hit the market, nearly matching the total from the previous three seasons combined. This surge is largely due to players strategically waiting for their contracts to expire in 2025, aiming to sign new deals under the league’s updated Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The impact of the new CBA is dramatic, especially for player earnings. A significant number of players, 27 in total, have now become millionaires, earning at least $1 million per year. While some international players have made seven figures playing abroad, this marks the first time WNBA players can achieve this status on American soil.

Stars like A’ja Wilson are signing massive deals, reportedly making $5 million over three years. But it’s not just the biggest names seeing huge increases. Players like Ariel Atkins and Kennedy Burke have also secured million-dollar contracts, showing a broader financial uplift across the league.

A’ja Wilson’s contract highlights the shift: she is set to earn more in 2026 ($1.4 million) than she did in her first eight seasons combined ($1.03 million). This statistic powerfully illustrates the financial revolution brought about by the new CBA, which has significantly boosted player compensation.

Salary Cap and Minimums Skyrocket

The financial transformation is starkly evident in the salary cap and minimum salaries. The salary cap has jumped from $1.5 million to $7 million. Minimum salaries have also seen a massive increase, rising from $66,000 to between $270,000 and $300,000.

These changes are described as “game-changing” by analysts. For context, one former player recalled earning around $35,000 to $40,000 in her rookie year, even with bonuses for making the All-Rookie team and being an All-Star. Another mentioned making just $18,000 in her first year.

Key Free Agent Signings and Team Outlooks

Looking at free agency moves, several teams are poised for improvement. One team focused on retaining its core unit, bringing back key players like Big Al, Ry Howard, Brie Jones, Jordan Canada, and Nas Hillman, while adding the “ATL Barbie” to the mix.

Skylar Diggins-Smith’s move to Chicago was a popular choice, with many believing she has the leadership to revitalize the organization. Another admired move was Statue to the Liberty joining the team.

Dallas is also making waves, aiming to become a contender after two losing seasons. With Ay Fud joining Paige Beckers and Enrique Owal, the Mavericks have assembled a formidable trio that could shake up the league standings.

The upcoming WNBA season promises to be incredibly exciting, filled with numerous player movements and significant changes. Fans are encouraged to get ready for a compelling season of action.

Source: Comparing WNBA salaries before vs. after the new CBA 📈 'GAME CHANGING!' | Women's Sports Now (YouTube)