The WNBA and WBPA are currently working on CBA terms with 12+ hour meetings for three consecutive days. Within these three days, there has been more progress than the parties have made in the last 18 months, sharing more than seven offers and counterproposals.
WNBA players report real progress toward landmark new CBA agreement. While there are few details out so far, the one particular condition that impacts teams the most is the supermax contract with respect to the salary cap.
As per the new rule, every team can now assign only one supermax contract in the roster, and they also can’t offer a similar offer to the same player more than twice. Considering the current free agency and franchise requirements, there are three players who must get a supermax contract from their franchises.
WNBA Players Who Deserve Supermax Contract
Every team has a star player who is a key member of the team’s strategy on and off the court, and who is also part of future plans. Generally seen as the face of the franchise, the player attracts the highest salary, that is, the supermax contract from the franchise.
While there is one particular player that the front office already sees as its ‘identity’, teams like the Indiana Fever face a tricky 2026 WNBA free agency decision with multiple players eligible for the highest contract. Despite this, there are three players who should receive the supermax contract despite the terms in the CBA.
A’ja Wilson: Las Vegas Aces
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One player who needs no introduction and reason to hand a supermax contract is the Las Vegas Aces’ superstar. She is the best player in the league with multiple accolades, a huge impact, and an undeniable influence on the floor.
Wilson turned the fate of the Aces around, leading them to three championships, two Finals MVP awards, and a record four regular-season MVP accolades. The player is an offensive juggernaut on the floor and a defensive anchor for the side.
While there are rumors about Wilson joining the Golden State Warriors, the Aces still have a chance to tie down the megastar and must hand her supermax contract to ensure their dominance in the league.
Napheesa Collier: Minnesota Lynx
Talking about the dominance, the Minnesota Lynx is one of the most successful franchises in the league, winning four WNBA Championships. But recently, the franchise faced some stiff competition from New York, Las Vegas, and even the Phoenix franchises.
One player who maintains high standards and delivers regularly for the Lynx is the former UConn star. She was always in the MCVP discussions with her performances and impacted the game on both ends of the floor.
Even though she hasn’t won any title, except the Commissioner Cup title, the Lynx rely on the star forward to deliver. Their results without the 29-year-old forward are poor, underscoring her importance to the franchise’s plans.
Kelsey Plum: Los Angeles Sparks
Another name eligible for the supermax contract, which might surprise many, is Kelsey Plum, the instrumental guard who is the main reason the Los Angeles Sparks remain in the playoff conversation, if not in championship contention.
Her impact in the Unrivaled league for the Phantom BC is another reason that highlights her importance and possible impact on games. Even though she failed to make it to the playoffs, the franchise had to go through injury problems, which put an extra load on the prolific guard.
Many teams, especially expansion teams, are keeping tabs on Plum, although she won’t be available in the expansion draft, due to her gameplay and leadership qualities that will give teams a huge advantage in games. The LA side will be looking to build on their 2025 performance, and for that, they will need Plum’s presence on the floor.
For the Phoenix Mercury, Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas are eligible for the highest salaries, while the New York Liberty will have to choose between Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart for the Supermax contract.
As mentioned earlier, the Indiana Fever will have three such players eligible for the supermax contract, which puts them in difficult situations. Teams with easy choices for supermax contract player selection would be the Dallas Wings, Chicago Sky, and Golden State Warriors, who could sign a new player for a similar contract or make their megastar the highest earner.