A'ja Wilson Shatters WNBA Salary Record, Becomes First Player to Earn Over $1 Million Annually

A'ja Wilson, widely recognized as the premier player in the WNBA and one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has achieved a new milestone: becoming the highest-paid player in WNBA history and one of the first to earn over $1 million per season.

Wilson, the first overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft, has led the Las Vegas Aces to three WNBA championships (2022, 2023, and 2025). Her decorated career also includes four WNBA MVP awards, seven All-Star selections, and numerous other individual accolades, alongside two Olympic gold medals (2020 and 2024).

As the WNBA approaches its 30th season, set to commence on May 9th, Wilson has inked a new three-year contract with the Las Vegas Aces valued at $4.7 million, featuring maximum allowable increases. Her salary will jump from $200,000 in 2025 to $1.4 million in 2026, reaching the maximum permitted under the current collective bargaining agreement, according to EFE.

This significant salary jump reflects broader changes in the league. The WNBA salary cap is set to increase substantially, rising from $1.5 million in 2025 to $7.5 million in 2026, with players now set to receive 20% of the league's revenue. Consequently, approximately twenty players are projected to earn over $1 million annually. While other players like Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever also stand to earn the $1.4 million 'supermax' contract, Wilson is unique in securing a multi-year deal at this unprecedented level.

The recent WNBA draft also marked a historic moment for Spain, with three players selected, including the third and seventh overall picks. In contrast, the top pick of this year's draft, Azzi Fudd, will earn $500,000 this season with the Dallas Wings, while last year's first overall selection, Paige Buecker, earned $80,000 last season.

"The last 30 years have been about building the foundation. The next 30 are about evolving the game, unlocking what's possible for women's basketball and women's sports as a whole," stated WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. She emphasized this as a pivotal moment and revealed future plans, including international preseason games.