Dallas Wings Select Top WNBA Draft Pick

New CBA brings $500,000 payday for No. 1 overall selection

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:12pm

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A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of royal blue, bright orange, and metallic silver, conceptually representing the dynamic energy and multi-faceted nature of a WNBA basketball game.The WNBA's new $500,000 rookie salary will help elevate the league's top talent and drive the sport's growth.Dallas Today

The Dallas Wings will make the first overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, with the top selection set to earn a $500,000 salary in their rookie season thanks to the league's newly ratified collective bargaining agreement.

Why it matters

The WNBA has worked to increase player salaries and benefits in recent years, and the new CBA represents a major step forward in compensating the league's top talent. This will help attract more elite players to the WNBA and further grow the sport's popularity.

The details

Under the terms of the new CBA, the No. 1 overall draft pick will receive a $500,000 salary in their first WNBA season, a significant increase from the previous rookie scale. This is part of the WNBA's efforts to boost compensation and benefits for its players as the league continues to gain momentum.

  • The 2026 WNBA Draft will take place on April 13, 2026.
  • The new CBA was ratified by the league and players' union last month.

The players

Dallas Wings

The Dallas Wings are a professional women's basketball team that plays in the WNBA.

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What they’re saying

“This new CBA is a game-changer for the WNBA. Attracting top talent is crucial to the league's growth, and these increased salaries will make the WNBA a more appealing option for elite players.”

— Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner

What’s next

The Dallas Wings will hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft on April 13, 2026, where they will select the player who will receive the new $500,000 rookie salary.

The takeaway

The WNBA's new CBA represents a major investment in player compensation, helping to attract more top talent to the league and further elevate the women's game. This will be a significant milestone for the Dallas Wings as they make the first overall selection under the new rules.