Women's sports are finally getting the recognition they deserve, and the WNBA is leading the way with a financial revolution. The league's top players are now reaping the rewards of their hard work and talent, with contracts that reflect their elite status.
In the 2025-2026 season, the WNBA's top five most expensive active contracts showcase the league's growth and the athletes' achievements. Let's dive into these groundbreaking deals and the stories behind them.
- Kahleah Copper (Phoenix Mercury)
Kahleah Copper, a true two-way player, was traded to the Phoenix Mercury in 2024 with a two-year extension worth $490,118. Her contract, which included a base salary of $248,134 in 2025, recognized her as a premium wing player with explosive offensive skills and relentless defense. Copper's impact was evident as she led the team to success, and now, as an unrestricted free agent in 2026, she's poised to command an even bigger contract.
- Jewell Loyd (Las Vegas Aces)
Jewell Loyd, a lethal scorer, made a blockbuster move to the Las Vegas Aces in the early 2025 season. Despite the jersey change, Loyd's talent remained unchanged. Her two-year extension with the Storm, signed in 2023, was worth $491,016, with a guaranteed base salary of $249,032 in 2025. As an unrestricted agent in 2026, Loyd is expected to sign a lucrative deal, reflecting her status as one of the league's top scorers.
- Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings)
Arike Ogunbowale, the undisputed queen of clutch shots in Dallas, signed a three-year supermax extension worth $725,000. This deal was a testament to her skills and talent, and she earned every penny with her prolific scoring. In 2025, she took home $249,032, and as a free agent in the new season, her resume is expected to attract a significant rise in salary. Ogunbowale's impact on the court is undeniable, and her contract reflects her value to the team.
- Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever)
Kelsey Mitchell made history in 2025 by signing a one-year deal with the Indiana Fever worth $249,244, making her the highest-paid WNBA player at the time. Mitchell's veteran presence and sharpshooting skills were invaluable to the team, especially when Caitlin Clark was sidelined due to injury. As a free agent now, Mitchell is expected to sign a bigger contract before the new season, solidifying her status as a top earner in the league.
- Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces)
Jackie Young became the first player in WNBA history to surpass the $250,000 annual threshold. Her two-year extension with the Las Vegas Aces, initially signed in 2022 and extended in 2024, set a new record for average annual value (AAV). Young, known as a "silent assassin," provides elite shooting and defense for the reigning dynasty. Her total contract value of $504,900 is a benchmark that player agents are using in the 2026 CBA standoff. Young's impact on the court and her contract are a testament to the growth and recognition of women's sports.
But here's where it gets controversial... These contracts are a step towards equality in sports, but some argue that the gap between the WNBA and NBA contracts is still too wide. What do you think? Should the WNBA aim for even higher salaries to match the NBA's standards? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
