Women's sports are finally getting the recognition they deserve, and the WNBA is at the forefront of this revolution. But here's where it gets controversial: are these record-breaking contracts a sign of true progress, or just a drop in the bucket compared to their male counterparts? As TV ratings skyrocket and arenas sell out, the league's top stars are securing deals that reflect their elite status. While these numbers don't yet rival the NBA's nine-figure contracts, they mark a significant victory for athletes who've transformed the WNBA into a global force. And this is the part most people miss: these contracts aren't just about money—they're about valuing talent, dedication, and the relentless drive of these players. Here’s a breakdown of the top five most expensive active contracts in the WNBA as of the 2025–2026 season, along with the stories behind the players who earned them.
5. Kahleah Copper (Phoenix Mercury)
Traded from the Sky to the Mercury in 2024, Copper signed a two-year extension worth $490,118. Her 2025 base salary of $248,134 highlights her dual threat as a dynamic scorer and tenacious defender. As the 2021 Finals MVP, Copper’s contract underscores her value as a premium two-way player. Entering 2026 as an unrestricted free agent (UFA), her market value is expected to soar.
4. Jewell Loyd (Las Vegas Aces)
Loyd’s blockbuster trade to the Aces in early 2025 didn’t slow her down—she remains one of the league’s deadliest scorers. Her two-year, $491,016 extension with the Storm in 2023 included a guaranteed $249,032 in 2025. As she enters 2026 as a UFA, her next contract is poised to make waves in the league’s salary structure.
3. Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings)
Known as the queen of clutch shots, Ogunbowale’s three-year, $725,000 supermax deal with the Wings was a bold statement about her impact. Earning $249,032 in 2025, she’ll hit free agency in 2026, where her scoring prowess is likely to command a substantial raise. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Are clutch performers like Ogunbowale undervalued in the current salary structure?
2. Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever)
Mitchell’s one-year, $249,244 deal with the Fever in 2025 made her the league’s highest-paid player. Stepping up as a veteran leader after Caitlin Clark’s injury, Mitchell proved her worth both on and off the court. Now a free agent, she’s expected to secure an even larger contract for the upcoming season. Is Mitchell’s leadership worth more than her scoring ability?
1. Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces)
Jackie Young made history as the first WNBA player to surpass the $250,000 annual threshold. Her two-year extension with the Aces, signed in 2022 and extended in 2024, set a new benchmark with a total value of $504,900. Dubbed the “silent assassin” for her elite shooting and defense, Young’s contract is now the standard in 2026 CBA negotiations. But here’s the controversial part: Should players like Young be earning closer to NBA salaries, or is this a fair reflection of the league’s growth?
As the WNBA continues to evolve, these contracts aren’t just numbers—they’re milestones in the fight for equality and recognition. What do you think? Are these deals enough, or is there still ground to cover? Let’s discuss in the comments!
