The WNBA free agency already had plenty of drama, with the Phoenix Mercury finalists failing to secure their core, and the Seattle Storm losing players for ‘nothing’. Amid this, there are a few contenders who have maintained their core and are looking to add support in the free agency market. Recently, the Aces completed their retention process by re-signing guard Jackie Young.
The Princeton native had been one of the key contributors to their championship run, and the contract offered highlights how much the franchise values her. But that valuation itself created a history in the WNBA, which now has a new CBA in place.
Jackie Young Itching Her Name in WNBA History Books With Aces’ New Contract
As per reports, the Las Vegas Aces are now on the verge of completing the $1.19 million contract with the former Notre Dame guard. The franchise already has a core of Chelsea Grey and A’ja Wilson tying down their championship-winning core.
Interestingly, with the signing of the agreement, Young became the first WNBA player to sign a ‘Million Dollar’ contract under the new CBA.
Breaking: The Las Vegas Aces are finalizing an agreement for Jackie Young to return to Vegas, sources told @alexaphilippou.
— ESPN (@espn) April 9, 2026
This is expected to be a one-year deal at the regular max ($1.19 million). pic.twitter.com/ln8Hetf0OD
The new CBA offer raised the max salary to $1.4 million, while there are options for the veteran max salary that also touch the $1 million mark, making it easier for teams to retain their core. The 2019 draft pick had been a key element of the team’s success so far.
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The new CBA handed teams a salary cap of around $7 million, and now, with the signing of their prolific guard, the Aces have theoretically $5.81 million in cap remaining, on paper, but they will have A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jewel Loyd contracts coming up, limiting their ‘purchasing’ power in the free agency.
One more interesting aspect of Young’s contract is the ‘duration’: the Aces chose a one-year contract for its three-time champion star, despite having an option for a multi-year deal.
Jackie Young’s Contract Could Set ‘Shorter Commitment’ Trend In WNBA
With the new CBA, there are many incremental options for every player’s contract, including performance bonuses, profit sharing, and eligibility criteria for the supermax contract, making it even more lucrative for players. Cathy Engelbert already mentioned that the CBA deal is ‘transformative’ and that its effects are now visible in the contracts.
By signing a one-year contract, the four-time All-Star will have more control over her future, and looking at the upcoming expansion teams, the player would have plenty of opportunities to land even more lucrative offers.