Jackie Young: Highest Paid WNBA in 2025 - And how she got there!
- Taniah English
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
Jackie Young, star guard for the Las Vegas Aces, is making history. Represented by powerhouse agent Lindsay Kagawa Colas of Wasserman, Young locked in a two-year, $504,900 contract extension in 2022. With an annual salary of $252,450, she tops the WNBA’s pay scale for the 2025 season.
Her rise isn’t just about numbers. Young’s impact on the court—helping lead the Aces to back-to-back championships—has cemented her reputation as one of the league’s elite. Her consistent growth, All-Star appearances, and leadership made her a priority for Vegas.
How WNBA Contracts Work
Agents: Agents like Colas handle the heavy lifting—negotiating deals, navigating salary caps, and leveraging the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Collective Bargaining Agreement: Updated in 2020, the CBA outlines player salaries, bonuses, revenue sharing, and more. It’s what makes higher pay possible for top athletes.
Salary Cap: Teams work within a cap (about \$1.46 million in 2025), which forces strategic budgeting—especially for star players.
Performance & Marketability: All-Star talent and strong personal brands drive higher contracts and extra perks like marketing deals.
Bonuses & Incentives: Players can stack earnings with championship wins, endorsements, and overseas play.
Timing: Smart negotiations happen during free agency or the end of rookie deals—timing is key.
Looking ahead, a $2.2 billion media rights deal kicking in by 2026 could reshape the landscape. With more money flowing into the league, million-dollar contracts are no longer out of reach.
From the Court to the Boardroom
Strategic Representation Matters Just like athletes have agents, professionals need mentors, managers, or advisors who understand contracts, leverage, and timing. The right advocate can secure better deals and visibility.
Value is Built Over Time Jackie Young’s rise wasn’t overnight. Her consistency, growth, and results made her indispensable. Professionals should focus on building a track record of results to earn leverage.
Know Your Industry's Rules The CBA defines what’s possible in the WNBA. In business, understanding your industry’s frameworks—policies, compensation standards, and growth levers—positions you to negotiate smarter.
Marketability is a Business Tool Performance alone isn't enough. Young’s brand visibility helps boost her value. Professionals should build their personal brand to increase opportunities and attract higher-value work.
Leverage Bonus Opportunities Like athletes stack earnings with championships and endorsements, professionals should seek layered income—speaking gigs, consulting, affiliate deals, and strategic partnerships.
Timing is Everything Knowing when to negotiate—like at contract renewals or after delivering a major win—can make a big financial difference. Professionals should prepare and strike when their value peaks.
Massive Shifts = Massive Opportunity The WNBA’s incoming $2.2B media deal will change the financial landscape. In any industry, staying ahead of upcoming trends or funding shifts can unlock early-mover advantages.
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