A'ja Wilson signed a new contract worth $1.4 million for 2026, establishing a new maximum salary for WNBA players under the recent collective bargaining agreement. This contract reflects the evolving market for WNBA superstars.
How A'ja Wilson's contract helped set new market for WNBA superstars after new 2026 CBA originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Las Vegas Aces superstar A'ja Wilson was one of three players to make history this offseason.
She signed a new contract that will earn her the new maximum of $1.4 million in 2026. Under the WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement deal signed in March, that number became the new maximum amount of money a player could earn in 2026.
Since being drafted in 2018, Wilson has built one of the best trophy cabinets in league history. Heading into her ninth season, the former University of South Carolina player is a three-time WNBA champion and four-time MVP.
Here's a look at how much Las Vegas' star will earn in 2026 compared to last season, and how her new deal stacks up against other top players.
MORE:Ranking the top 30 players in the WNBA this season
A'ja Wilson's new contract is worth $1.4 million for the year 2026.
A'ja Wilson's contract sets a new maximum salary for WNBA players, influencing the market for superstars in the league.
A'ja Wilson is a three-time WNBA champion and a four-time MVP, making her one of the most decorated players in league history.
The new collective bargaining agreement for the WNBA was signed in March 2020.
Sophie Cunningham expresses a desire for a long-term commitment from the Indiana Fever while acknowledging her emotional ties to the Phoenix Mercury. Her recent comments have sparked discussions about her future in the WNBA.
Phoenix Mercury claim Anneli Maley off waivers from New York Liberty
Travis Bazzana hits his first major league homer in Guardians' win over Twins
Yankees shut out 6-0 by Brewers in series opener; Fried struggles
Hockey roundup: Sandin-Pellikka scores highlight-reel goal; MSU adds assistant coach
Check out Hailey Van Lith's must-see pregame outfit for her debut with the Connecticut Sun!
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
This season, Wilson is slated to earn a league-best $1.4 million. She is tied with Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier and Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell as the only players to receive the 2026 maximum earnings for a season. Next season, Wilson will earn $1.65 million, and $1.95 million in 2028, according to Spotrac.
In March, the WNBA reached a deal after months of speculation on a new collective bargaining agreement. According to the league, 2026's maximum one-year earnings now sit at $1.4 million, a number that is just shy of last season's $1.5 million team salary cap. This year, that salary cap number sits at $7 million.
In 2026, Wilson will be vying for her fifth MVP award after she made league history as the first player to win four MVP awards.
Prior to winning her fourth MVP award in 2025, the Las Vegas Aces' star made $200,000 last season, according to Spotrac. This financial sum was the 22nd-highest in the league, with Mitchell topping last year's chart with $269,244 earned.
Fast forward a year, and Wilson's per-year earnings top the charts. She is tied with Mitchell and Collier in earning $1.4 million after new maximum deals were negotiated under the new collective bargaining agreement.
The WNBA's new CBA shook up things financially around the league in a good way. Three of the league's top players earned the new maximum one-year amount, earning $1.4 million during the 2026 season. Here is the full breakdown of the top 10 highest earning amounts for this year.
| Rank | Player | Team | Amount |
| 1 | Napheesa Collier | Lynx | $1.4 million |
| A'ja Wilson | Aces | $1.4 million | |
| Kelsey Mitchell | Fever | $1.4 million | |
| 4 | Ezi Magbegor | Storm | $1.25 million |
| 5 | Kahleah Copper | Mercury | $1.2 million |
| Marina Mabrey | Tempo | $1.2 million | |
| Alyssa Thomas | Mercury | $1.2 million | |
| 8 | Shakira Austin | Mystics | $1.19 million |
| Bridget Carleton | Fire | $1.19 million | |
| Allisha Gray | Dream | $1.19 million | |
| Brittney Griner | Sun | $1.19 million | |
| Sabrina Ionescu | Liberty | $1.19 million | |
| Jonquel Jones | Liberty | $1.19 million | |
| Kayla McBride | Lynx | $1.19 million | |
| Arike Ogunbowale | Wings | $1.19 million | |
| Alanna Smith | Wings | $1.19 million | |
| Breanna Stewart | Liberty | $1.19 million | |
| Brittney Stykes | Tempo | $1.19 million | |
| Courtney Williams | Lynx | $1.19 million | |
| Gabby Williams | Valkyries | $1.19 million | |
| Jackie Young | Aces | $1.19 million |