Highest-paid WNBA players in 2026: A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Mitchell headline list

Highest-paid WNBA players in 2026: A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Mitchell headline list originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After a new CBA was struck this past offseason, WNBA contracts already look a whole lot different.

Advertisement

Plenty of players got new deals in the aftermath of the new CBA, which allowed for 2026 salary ranges from a minimum of $270,000 to $1.4 million as each team’s cap skyrocketed to $7 million.

That led to the first group of million-dollar WNBA players — and there are now plenty of stars making seven figures.

Here’s a look at the highest-paid players for the 2026 WNBA season.

SN’s WNBA HQ: Live WNBA scores | Updated WNBA standings | Full WNBA schedule

Highest-paid WNBA players 2026

After a busy offseason, there are now three players tied as the highest-paid star in the WNBA.

Advertisement

Minnesota‘s Napheesa Collier, Indiana‘s Kelsey Mitchell and Las Vegas‘ A’ja Wilson are all set to make the maximum of $1.4 million in 2026.

All three players have proved critical for their respective franchise. Collier, a former DPOY and 5-time All-Star, finished second in MVP voting for the second-straight season in 2025; Mitchell had a career year last season in Caitlin Clark‘s absence, earning her second All-Star nod; and Wilson’s unreal resume continued growing, bringing Las Vegas another title while winning her fourth MVP award.

Plenty more stars cleared the $1 million mark with the new CBA, however, from Brittney Griner to Breanna Stewart.

Here’s a look at the full list of highest-paid players for 2026, per Spotrac:

Richest contracts in the WNBA

It wasn’t just the 2026 salaries that grew after the new CBA this offseason. Some players also landed more lucrative deals than others, multi-year agreements that set new league records for total value.

Advertisement

The current title of “largest WNBA deal ever” wound up going to Indiana’s Aliyah Boston, who inked a four-year, $6.3 million extension with the Fever at 24 years old. While she will earn $1 million in 2026, Boston’s average annual value over the deal is $1.57 million.

Wilson also secured a significant contract at $5 million over three years. Her AAV of $1.67 million is the highest in the WNBA, exceeding Boston’s.

Here’s a look at the largest total contract value across the WNBA heading into 2026:

MORE: Ranking every 2026 WNBA starting five