How Much Will the WNBA’s No. 1 Pick Earn in 2026?

March 24, 2026

The No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA draft is still up for debate. What isn’t is the reality that their rookie-scale contract will be more than six times what 2025 No. 1 pick, Paige Bueckers, signed for in her rookie season.

Whether it’s Awa Fam, Olivia Miles, or Azzi Fudd who the Dallas Wings take first overall, their selection will come with a $500,000 base salary in year 1, according to sources briefed on the CBA term sheet.

Under the 2025 CBA, Bueckers made $78,831 in her rookie season, which accounted for roughly 5% of the league’s $1.5 million salary cap. The No. 1 pick in the upcoming 2026 draft will account for 7% of the $7 million salary cap.  FRONT OFFICE SPORTS