The CBA deal confirmation made everyone juggle with the numbers. As per the confirmed term, everyone started predicting possible salaries for star players, role players, and even rookies. The historic WNBA CBA Deal is worth over 1 billion dollars, with a revenue-sharing breakthrough, and rookies also earning more than the current supermax contract. The Dallas Wings will be the first team to sign the new mega-rookie contract in the league, having the first overall pick in the 2026 draft.
Moreover, the new contracts will allow the rookies to go for a supermax deal early in their careers. With Paige Bueckers’ form and impact, it’s interesting to watch the franchise’s next steps.
Dallas Wings’ Top Pick Attracts Huge Sum Following New CBA
The CBA offer is focusing on the superstar players from the league and also looking to take care of the young talent pool with different terms, encouraging them to perform at the highest level. The new rookies will be earning a multitude of the current supermax deals.
“Per the CBA term sheet, the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft will make a base salary of $500,000 this season, $520,000 in 2027, $572,000 in 2028, and $646,360 in the fourth and final year of her rookie contract,” Sabrina Merchant reported.
More details on the new CBA, including the rookie minimum which starts at $270,000. The minimum for players with 10+ YOS will be $300,000 in 2026.
— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) March 19, 2026
Housing, I've learned, will be provided for all players for the first three years.
Latest: https://t.co/w7lDBJTJ28
For comparison, Paige Bueckers made just $78,831 in her rookie season. That’s more than a 600% increase for whoever the first overall pick ends up being. While this is a huge win for the players, the Wings will compensate new star coming to Dallas.
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
While the commercial aspects will impact the franchise decision, they will still look for the impactful star who would thrive alongside the franchise’s current mega star, Paige Bueckers.
Diana Taurasi Helps Out Dallas Wings Selecting First Pick
There had been multiple mock drafts throughout the NCAA season, with nearly every top player taking the top position. Before the WNBA Lottery draft, Lauren Betts was the favourite as the top pick prediction, then the Spanish sensation Awa Fam also came into the picture, and many other players were linked to the Wings.
Former WNBA champion Diana Taurasi, though, has a clear answer for the ‘tough question’ in front of the Wings. In a recent interview, she said, “I think, just from a bird’s-eye view, you would say Azzi is the number one pick. You know the synergy she has with Paige on the court, they played great together.”
“When you get to the WNBA, if you have two guards who can pretty much do everything, defend, pass, shoot the three, get to the paint, then we’re talking about building championship DNA… The way Azzi has been playing, how dominant she looks on the court on both ends right now, I would say she’s probably the [number] one pick,” DT concluded.
Fudd’s recent form, shooting prowess and chemistry with Paige Bueckers make perfect sense for the Wings, and as the former Mercury star mentioned, they could build a dynasty around the UConn Duo.