New WNBA CBA lifts rookie salaries, with the No. 1 overall pick set to earn $500,000
NEW YORK (AP) — Some high-profile members of the upcoming 2026 WNBA draft class went to dinner Friday night with a few veteran players including Nneka Ogwumike and Tina Charles. It was a chance to gain some knowledge as the rookies get set to embark on their new journey Monday night when their names are called in the draft. “I wish I had brought a notebook,” UConn grad Azzi Fudd said at a pre-draft availability Saturday.
“Taking all these notes, like they’re giving such good information, such good advice. It’s like information overload. ” Ogwumike, who is president of the players' union, talked to them a bit about the new collective bargaining agreement that was ratified last month and will greatly increase the new rookies salaries.
The top pick on Monday night will earn $500,000 her first year with the second and third picks making $466,913 and $436,016. Whoever is chosen first will make nearly seven times as much as Paige Bueckers did last season as the No. 1 choice.
Second and third-round picks will make $270,000 — which is more than the previous maximum salary in the old CBA. “I mean it’s insane. It’s huge.
It’s life-changing. What they were able to negotiate. and it’s not just the money, but it’s everything,” Fudd said.