Under the new CBA, today’s WNBA players are set to make more money than any other generation ever has. With supermax deals now reaching $1.4 million, a number of WNBA teams have begun flexing their financial might by signing key players to seven-digit contracts.
Though a number of young talents who are still on their rookie-scale contracts (such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers) aren’t in this hemisphere yet, there are already players who have reportedly signed lucrative deals under the terms of the new CBA. Here’s a look at the five highest-paid players in the upcoming WNBA season, as per Spotrac.
Top 5 Highest Paid Players in 2026 WNBA Season
#5 Bridget Carleton
Over the past seven seasons, Bridget Carleton has been a reliable shooter for the Minnesota Lynx. However, her career took a new turn when the Lynx left her unprotected, putting her in position to be drafted first overall by the Portland Fire in this year’s expansion draft. Carleton has reportedly signed a three-year, $3,748,500 deal with the Fire.
#4 Alanna Smith
Another Lynx veteran who left Minnesota in the offseason was Alanna Smith. Fresh off winning co-Defensive Player of the Year honors, Smith tested the waters of free agency and ended up joining a promising Dallas Wings squad. As per Spotrac, Smith’s deal is worth $3,748,500 across three years.
#3 Gabby Williams
It appears that WNBA teams are willing to pay top dollar to shore up their ranks with defensive stalwarts. Gabby Williams, who made the All-Defensive First Team last year, has reportedly been signed by the Golden State Valkyries for three years, $3,748,500 after rising to All-Star status in 2025.
#2 Ezi Magbegor
Another defensive ace who scored a huge contract is Ezi Magbegor. The Seattle Storm forward has made the All-Defensive Team for four consecutive seasons, and she is set to play a key role in the Storm’s playoff push that will now bank on the twin towers of Dominique Malonga and Awa Fam Thiam. Magbegor’s three-year deal is said to be worth $3,750,000.
#1 A’ja Wilson
No surprises here: The reigning, four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson has secured the biggest deal thus far in WNBA history. Wilson, who also won co-Defensive Player of the Year and Finals MVP in 2025, has reportedly inked a three-year deal worth $5 million.