If anything, the WNBA was on a gradual rise in the past couple of years. But things started changing fast over the last two years.
New players, new contracts, and even newer kinds of money. Just like all other businesses, the players get a big chunk of the league’s money.
However, those teams have categorically separate terms and conditions. Just like the WNBA supermax contract, the WNBA max contract is one such term. Let’s find out what this means!
What Is WNBA Max Contract?
The WNBA max contract represents the highest salary a player can earn under the league’s current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
For the 2025 season, the regular max salary stands at $214,466, while the supermax reaches $249,244, offering a premium for elite performers.
Caitlin Clark’s NIL money is $3 million.
— Chase Swartz (@Chase_Swartz3) April 3, 2024
WNBA max contract is $250k.
That is a significant difference.
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
Unlike the NBA, where max and supermax contracts vary widely based on years of service and accolades, the WNBA’s structure is more standardized, though it still distinguishes between the two tiers.
With stars like Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson driving viewership, the potential for future salary increases looms large, tied to upcoming WNBA-CBA negotiations and media rights deals.
Understanding these contracts gives a good idea of the WNBA’s progress and the challenges ahead in aligning player compensation with its rising profile.
How Is WNBA Max Contract Different From Supermax Contract?
Now that we know what the WNBA maximum contact is, let’s find out how it differs from the supermax contract.
Basically, the WNBA max contract and supermax contract differ in eligibility, salary caps, and purpose, though both are constrained by the league’s hard salary cap of $1,507,100 for 2025.
The regular maximum salary, set at $214,466 for 2025, is accessible to players with significant experience (typically six or more years) and serves as the baseline for top earners without additional qualifications.
The WNBA recently proposed a $850K supermax contract and $300K veteran minimum in recent CBA discussions, per @FOS
— ひ Your Favorite Burner 🔥 (@BurnerforBets) October 18, 2025
The current max contract is $249,000 with minimum of $78,000. pic.twitter.com/7tF4kq2v2v
The supermax, at $249,244, is reserved for elite veterans who meet specific criteria, such as multiple All-WNBA selections, MVP awards, or Defensive Player of the Year honors, and often requires loyalty to the same team.
In contrast to the NBA, where max contracts scale from 25% to 35% of the salary cap based on 0-6, 7-9, or 10+ years of service, and supermax deals can reach 35% with an 8% annual raise for All-NBA or award-winning players, the WNBA’s system is less flexible.
NBA supermax contracts, such as Kemba Walker’s $221 million five-year deal in 2019, significantly outpace WNBA figures due to a higher salary cap (e.g., $109 million in the 2019-20 season).
WNBA supermax eligibility, while less detailed publicly, aligns with performance milestones, with Jackie Young earning $252,450 in 2024 as a top earner, slightly above the 2025 supermax.