Jackie Young Becomes WNBA's First Million-Dollar Player

WNBA Expansion Brings New Teams to Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:21pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a WNBA game or match, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette representing the official team colors of several WNBA franchises.The WNBA's transformative era is marked by record-breaking player salaries and league expansion, reflecting the sport's growing popularity and commitment to equity.Philadelphia Today

The WNBA is experiencing a transformative era, marked by a surge in popularity and financial success. Jackie Young's $1.19 million contract with the Aces makes her the league's first million-dollar player, setting a precedent for the future of the WNBA. The league's expansion to 15 teams, with three more set to join soon, brings a sense of renewal to cities with rich WNBA histories.

Why it matters

Young's groundbreaking deal is particularly significant for Black women, who are now reaping the early benefits of the league's newfound prosperity. The WNBA's growth also presents challenges as it must navigate the delicate balance between expanding its reach and maintaining its core values of social justice and equality.

The details

Young's new salary is more than six times her previous $169,950 earnings. Stars like A'ja Wilson, Alyssa Thomas, Breanna Stewart, and Arike Ogunbowale are likely to join Young in the $1 million club, with Wilson, Thomas, and Stewart potentially earning the league's supermax distinction of $1.4 million a season. The WNBA's expansion to 15 teams, with the addition of the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, and the upcoming teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, will bring new talent, competition, and revenue to the league.

  • In 2025, as the Aces secured their third WNBA title, Young earned a modest $169,950.
  • In 2026, Young signed a $1.19 million contract with the Aces, making her the WNBA's first million-dollar player.

The players

Jackie Young

A WNBA player who signed a $1.19 million contract with the Aces, becoming the league's first million-dollar player.

A'ja Wilson

A WNBA star who is likely to join Young in the $1 million club, potentially earning the league's supermax distinction of $1.4 million a season.

Alyssa Thomas

A WNBA star who is likely to join Young in the $1 million club, potentially earning the league's supermax distinction of $1.4 million a season.

Breanna Stewart

A WNBA star who is likely to join Young in the $1 million club, potentially earning the league's supermax distinction of $1.4 million a season.

Arike Ogunbowale

A WNBA star who is likely to join Young in the $1 million club.

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What’s next

The WNBA must continue to navigate the delicate balance between expanding its reach and maintaining its core values of social justice and equality as the league continues to grow.

The takeaway

Jackie Young's historic $1.19 million contract with the Aces not only makes her the WNBA's first million-dollar player but also sets a precedent for the future of the league. This development is particularly significant for Black women, who are now reaping the early benefits of the WNBA's newfound prosperity. The league's expansion to 15 teams, with more on the way, brings a sense of renewal to cities with rich WNBA histories and will continue to drive the sport's growth and popularity.