When A'ja Wilson put pen to paper on her latest contract, she didn't just secure her own future—she helped reshape the entire financial landscape of the WNBA. The Las Vegas Aces superstar is one of three players to sign for the league's new maximum salary of $1.4 million in 2026, a figure that became possible thanks to the groundbreaking collective bargaining agreement signed in March.

Since entering the league as the No. 1 overall pick in 2018, Wilson has built a trophy case that rivals any in sports history. Heading into her ninth season, the former University of South Carolina standout is already a three-time WNBA champion and four-time MVP. Her new deal reflects that dominance, but it also signals a new era for the league's top talent.

This season, Wilson will earn a league-best $1.4 million, tied with Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier and Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell as the only players to receive the 2026 maximum. But the raises don't stop there—according to Spotrac, Wilson's salary climbs to $1.65 million in 2027 and $1.95 million in 2028. To put that in perspective, last season Wilson made just $200,000, which ranked 22nd in the league. Mitchell topped the 2025 earnings chart at $269,244.

The new CBA, which came after months of speculation, has dramatically changed the math for star players. The 2026 maximum one-year earnings of $1.4 million is just shy of last season's entire team salary cap of $1.5 million. This season, that team cap has jumped to $7 million, giving franchises more flexibility to build around their superstars.

For Wilson, the financial windfall comes as she chases history once again. After becoming the first player ever to win four MVP awards in 2025, she'll look to add a fifth in 2026—and now she'll do it with a contract that finally matches her on-court impact.