Women's basketball is finally getting the recognition it deserves, and the WNBA is at the forefront of this financial revolution. But here's where it gets controversial: are these salaries enough to truly reflect the value of these athletes? With skyrocketing TV ratings and sold-out arenas, the league's top stars are securing Supermax deals that, while not yet on par with the NBA's nine-figure contracts, mark a significant victory for players who've transformed the WNBA into a global force. Let's dive into the top five most expensive active contracts in the WNBA as of the 2025–2026 season, and explore the stories behind these groundbreaking deals.
5. Kahleah Copper (Phoenix Mercury)
Kahleah Copper, the 2021 Finals MVP, is a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. Traded to the Phoenix Mercury in 2024 under a two-year extension worth $490,118, Copper earned a base salary of $248,134 in 2025. Her explosive drives and tenacious defense make her a premium two-way wing, and her contract reflects that. Entering 2026 as an unrestricted free agent (UFA), Copper's value is undeniable. But is her salary truly commensurate with her impact on the court?
4. Jewell Loyd (Las Vegas Aces)
Jewell Loyd, one of the league's most lethal scorers, was part of a blockbuster three-team trade in early 2025 that landed her with the Las Vegas Aces. Her two-year extension with the Storm in 2023, worth $491,016, guaranteed her a base salary of $249,032 in 2025. As an unrestricted free agent in 2026, Loyd is expected to command a significant cap hit. But with her scoring prowess, should she be earning even more?
3. Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings)
Arike Ogunbowale, the undisputed queen of clutch shots in Dallas, signed a three-year supermax extension worth $725,000, a testament to her skills and talent. Earning $249,032 in 2025, Ogunbowale enters the new season as a free agent, with her resume likely to attract a substantial salary increase in 2026. But is her clutch gene being properly compensated in a league where every point matters?
2. Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever)
Kelsey Mitchell became the highest-paid WNBA player in 2025 with a one-year deal worth $249,244. Stepping up as a veteran leader after Caitlin Clark's injury, Mitchell's sharpshooting and experience were invaluable to the Indiana Fever. Currently a free agent, Mitchell is expected to secure an even bigger contract before the 2026 season begins. But does her leadership and performance under pressure warrant an even larger payday?
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 Las Vegas Aces, initially signed in 2022 and extended in May 2024, set a new record for average annual value (AAV). Known as the 'silent assassin' for her elite shooting and defense, Young's $504,900 total contract is the benchmark in the 2026 CBA negotiations. But as the face of the league's financial growth, is she being paid what she's truly worth?
As the WNBA continues to break barriers, these contracts represent more than just numbers—they're a testament to the hard work and talent of these athletes. But the question remains: are we doing enough to close the gender pay gap in sports? What do you think? Are these salaries fair, or is there still work to be done? Let us know in the comments!
