The newest members of the WNBA not only heard their name called bycommissioner Cathy Engelbertat the2026 WNBA Drafton Monday, April 13, they likely heard dollar signs thanks to ahistoric collective bargaining agreement.
Azzi Fudd was selected first overallby theDallas Wings, marking the second consecutive player from UConn to be drafted No. 1 overall by the Wings afterPaige Bueckers' selection in 2025. Yet, Fudd will make significantly more than Bueckers on her rookie contract.
The disparity between Fudd andCaitlin Clark's rookie contracts is even greater.
Clark was drafted No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft and made $76,535 in her first season in the league. Bueckers made a little more with a $78,831 rookie salary in 2025.
Clark and Bueckers' paydays pale in comparison to what Fudd is set to bring in during her first year in Dallas. Fudd is projected to make $500,000 on her rookie contract in 2026, according to Spotrac. Her salary will grow to $520,000 in 2027, $572,000 in 2028, with a team option of $646,360 available in 2029.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
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Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
WNBACommissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
Fudd is excited about more than a paycheck.
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"I can't wait. Obviously, Paige (Bueckers), Arike (Ogunbowale), getting to watch them and then seeing their new pieces. I'm so excited. I can't wait to get there. I can't wait to learn how to play with them, learn how they play, their style of play and how I can contribute," she said.
Fudd's rookie contract sum is nearly double last season's maximum salary of $249,244.
Fudd isn't the only player who will get a pay raise. The top 15 players selected in the first round of the 2026 WNBA Draft will make an average of $386,000 in their first year in the league. In comparison, last year's first-round picks made an average of $75,000.
Reach USA TODAY National Women’s Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at chenderson@gannett.com and follow her on X at@CydHenderson.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Azzi Fudd to earn 553% more than Caitlin Clark’s rookie salary