How much do WNBA rookies make? What to know about 2026 contracts and salaries for every draft pick
WNBA rookies are set to collect a king's ransom of sorts in 2026, especially when compared to their predecessors.
How much do WNBA rookies make? What to know about 2026 contracts and salaries for every draft pick originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
WNBA salaries have taken on increasingly glitzier dispositions in the weeks following the announcement of a new collective bargaining agreement between the WNBA and its players unions. In 2026 and beyond, players will command contracts exponentially larger than was the case in prior seasons. The windfall has taken hold of rookie deals, as well.
The 2026 class of newcomers is slated to take home a king's ransom of sorts in the coming few seasons -- especially when compared to past rookie scale contracts. Azzi Fudd traipsed onto the stage first during the 2026 WNBA Draft, beaming as she grasped a Wings jersey for the first time. She had plenty of reason to smile; not only is she joining longtime teammate and partner Paige Bueckers in Dallas.
But she'll make a decent wage doing so. With that, here's what you need to know about the WNBA's rookie contracts in 2026. MORE: Lynx, Storm make out like bandits while Sky stun with Gabriela Jaquez pick in WNBA Draft grades Are all WNBA rookies paid the same amount?