In a landmark moment for women's professional basketball, Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young has reportedly agreed to the first seven-figure contract in WNBA history. The one-year deal, valued at $1.19 million, was first reported by ESPN, marking a significant financial milestone for the league.
A Historic Deal for a Star Player
The 28-year-old Young, a former Notre Dame standout, is widely regarded as one of the premier two-way guards in the WNBA. Her new contract comes as the defending champion Aces work to retain their core talent, with Young joining six-time All-Star Chelsea Gray and four-time MVP A'ja Wilson, who has already committed to returning to Las Vegas.
Young's Impressive Career Achievements
Since being selected as the first overall pick in the 2019 draft, Young has developed into a four-time All-Star and two-time All-WNBA selection. She has played a pivotal role in securing three league championships for the Aces, while averaging 16.5 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game over her career.
Beyond her WNBA success, Young is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, having triumphed in both the traditional 5x5 and 3x3 basketball formats. She also previously won a national championship during her collegiate career at Notre Dame.
The Broader Context of WNBA Salaries
Many observers had anticipated that Indiana Fever sensation Caitlin Clark might be the first to break the $1 million barrier. However, the former Iowa guard remains on her rookie contract and is not eligible for a major extension until 2027. Notably, Clark earned just $85,000 annually during her first two WNBA seasons, relying heavily on sponsorship deals and off-court ventures for income.
This landscape is rapidly changing. Clark's salary is set to jump to $528,000 in 2026, representing a staggering 521 percent increase from her 2025 earnings. This shift is part of a wider transformation driven by the league's new collective bargaining agreement.
A New Era for the WNBA
Last month, the WNBA and its players ratified a groundbreaking seven-year labor deal, which ensures the season will commence as scheduled in May. The agreement promises substantial salary increases across the board, with top stars potentially earning up to $1.4 million per year, according to sources cited by The Associated Press.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert heralded the deal as the dawn of a bold new era, made possible by the collective efforts of players, team owners, fans, investors, and partners. The league is now focused on building upon its current momentum as it approaches its milestone 30th season.
Union vice president Breanna Stewart emphasized the transformative nature of the agreement, stating it will create a system where players receive fair compensation for both on-court performance and off-court contributions. This historic contract for Jackie Young symbolizes the tangible benefits of this new framework, setting a precedent for future player negotiations in the WNBA.
