Australian Basketball Star Alanna Smith Signs Historic $5M WNBA Deal

Landmark contract signals progress in women's sports and gender equity

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:55am

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Australian basketball star Alanna Smith has signed a record-breaking $5 million WNBA deal, a historic moment that symbolizes the progress and fight for gender equity in women's sports. The new collective bargaining agreement has transformed player salaries, with the maximum annual salary now at $1.4 million and the lowest-paid players earning more than the previous year's highest earner.

Why it matters

This contract is a milestone for Australian athletes and a catalyst for deeper conversations about the value we place on women's sports. It highlights the power of collective action and the players' determination to be fairly compensated for their skills and contributions.

The details

After months of negotiations, strike threats, and players advocating for their worth, the new CBA has brought about transformative changes. The total salary cap for teams has increased from $1.5 million to $7 million, allowing for more investment in talent. Additionally, the WNBA players' share of league revenue has doubled, bridging the gender gap in sports.

  • Alanna Smith was cut from the WNBA and the Australian national women's team, the Opals, in 2022.
  • The new CBA was reached after over a year of tense discussions between players and the league.

The players

Alanna Smith

An Australian basketball star who has signed a record-breaking $5 million WNBA deal, making her one of the highest-paid female Australian athletes across all sports.

Sammy Wloszczowski

Alanna Smith's agent, who says her client's journey has been marked by setbacks and challenges, but her strength of character has helped her overcome them.

Andie Smith

Alanna Smith's younger sister, who has signed for the WNBL expansion team, the Tasmania Jewels, benefiting from the changes her sister and peers have fought to achieve.

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What they’re saying

“You don't get through what she's been through without a certain makeup, a certain amount of fight, and strength of character.”

— Sammy Wloszczowski, Alanna Smith's agent

“One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing younger women benefit from the changes she and her peers fought so hard to achieve.”

— Alanna Smith

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This story is not just about basketball; it's about the broader fight for gender equality in sports and society. The WNBA's progress serves as an inspiration and a reminder that collective action and perseverance can bring about real change.