Jackie Young Becomes WNBA's First $1 Million Player with Las Vegas Aces

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In a historic move, the Las Vegas Aces have offered guard Jackie Young a $1 million contract, making her the first player in WNBA history to earn a seven-figure salary. This development comes as a result of the league's new collective bargaining agreement, which has opened up opportunities for higher player compensation and is seen as a major step towards bridging the pay gap between male and female athletes.

Why it matters

The WNBA's new CBA has allowed for increased player salaries, and Young's $1 million contract sets a new precedent for the league. This deal is a significant milestone for women's professional basketball, as it demonstrates the growing value and recognition of female athletes.

The details

Jackie Young, the first overall draft pick in 2019, has been a key player for the Las Vegas Aces, earning All-Star status for four consecutive seasons. Her strong performance in the 2025 season, averaging 16.5 points and 5.1 assists per game, solidified her as one of the league's top talents and made her a prime target for the Aces to retain.

• The Las Vegas Aces offered Jackie Young a $1 million contract in April 2026.
• Young was drafted as the first overall pick by the Aces in 2019.

What’s next

It will be important to see how other WNBA teams and players respond to this historic contract, as it could lead to further increases in player salaries and continued growth for the league.