March Madness Stars Eye Record 2026 WNBA Rookie Salaries

STORRS, CONNECTICUT - MARCH 23: Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball on the Syracuse Orange during the second quarter of a second round game in the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament held at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on March 23, 2026 in Storrs, Connecticut. (Photo by Sean Elliot/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) NCAA Photos via Getty Images As March Madness spotlights the biggest stars in women’s college basketball, a new WNBA CBA is set to turn those performances into record-breaking rookie salaries in 2026.

The 2026 WNBA draft class includes March Madness high performers such as UConn’s Azzi Fudd, TCU’s Olivia Miles, UCLA’s Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, and Gabriela Jacquez, LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson, and Ole Miss’ Cotie McMahon. This draft class is emerging at a crucial time for WNBA rookie contracts. Last season under the previous CBA, the No.

1 pick and 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year, Paige Bueckers was paid $78,831 in her first season. Similarly, in 2024, as the first pick, Caitlin Clark was paid $76,535. A number that outraged millions who were unfamiliar with the pay structure of the league , especially as it relates to rookies.

2026 WNBA Rookie Class Salary Potential Under the newly ratified CBA, the average salary of rookies will jump 246%, to $270,000. The second and third round picks will be awarded this starting amount. However, for the first round picks, especially the first four, their rookie contract could be much more lucrative.