As the WNBA’s increase in popularity brought forth better television rights deals, the league has also provided an increase in salary for its players.
In the 2026 seasons, the salary cap maximum for a team runs at $7 million. That’s a 364% increase from 2025, when the maximum a team could offer all of its players was $1.5 million.
The numbers make sense as the 2025 season was the most watched WNBA season in league history, according to ESPN’s metrics. This season, games can be found on ABC, ESPN, NBC, Peacock, NBC Sports Network, Amazon Prime, CBS/Paramount, USA Network, and NBA TV.
It may be difficult to catch every team’s game with so many options, but it’s also a sign of health for the league. With the new financial allocations, here’s how each team distributes its payroll for the 2026 season as of June 6, according to Spotrac.
1. Chicago Sky - $7.1 Million
- Highest paid player: Azura Stevens - $1 million
Stevens isn't the top player on the roster - that honor belongs to Skylar Diggins - but her return to the Sky before this season could help them back to the postseason after a few down years.
2. Las Vegas Aces - $7.0 Million
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- Highest paid player: A’ja Wilson - $1.4 million
Led by Wilson, a four-time MVP, the Aces have won three titles with her on the roster and remain one of WNBA's most popular teams.
3. Indiana Fever - $7.0 Million
- Highest paid player: Kelsey Mitchell - $1.4 million
No, it isn't Caitlin Clark. Mitchell is a three-time All-Star and made the All-WNBA team last year as the Fever still seek to get over the proverbial hump after a decade of disappointment.
4. Los Angeles Sparks - $6.9 Million
- Highest paid player: Dearica Hamby - $1.1 million
The Sparks haven't been to the playoffs since 2020 but with Hamby and Kelsey Plum, this seems like the best chance they've had in a while.
5. Dallas Wings - $6.8 Million
- Highest paid player: Arika Ogunbowale and Alanna Smith - $1.2 million
After a 10-34 season last year, the Wings are off to a good start in 2026 thanks to Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers.
6. New York Liberty - $6.8 Million
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- Highest paid players: Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart - $1.2 million
Ionescu, Jones, and Stewart may be the best trio in the league. It's no wonder the Liberty have made the playoffs each of the last five years, including winning the 2024 title.
7. Atlanta Dream - $6.8 Million
- Highest paid player: Allisha Gray - $1.2 million
The Dream are coming off the best season in franchise history in 2025. Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Angel Reese could have more in store in 2026 if they stay healthy.
8. Minnesota Lynx - $6.7 Million
- Highest paid player: Napheesa Collier - $1.4 million
Minnesota has just one losing season since 2010 and are off to a great start in 2026 even without Collier, arguably their best player, though she is expected to return in early June.
9. Golden State Valkyries - $6.6 Million
- Highest paid player: Gabby Williams - $1.2 million
The Valkyries made the playoffs last year in their first year of existence. Having a defensive wizard like Williams in the fold helps a ton.
10. Toronto Tempo - $6.3 Million
- Highest paid player: Marina Mabrey - $1.2 million
Mabrey has been one of the best bench players in the WNBA for nearly a decade. Now she's tasked with being a team leader and starter for this expansion team.
11. Connecticut Sun - $5.9 Million
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- Highest paid player: Brittney Griner - $1.2 million
After a six-year run that saw the Sun make three conference finals and three more WNBA finals from 2019 to 2024, last year's 11-win season felt like the end of something special.
12. Seattle Storm - $5.9 Million
- Highest paid player: Ezi Magbegor - $1.25 million
Williams and Diggins are gone from last year's team and the Storm are struggling a bit early in the 2026 season. Magbegor hasn't played yet this year after suffering an injury during the FIBA tournament in March.
13. Phoenix Mercury - $5.8 Million
- Highest paid player: Kahleah Cooper and Alyssa Thomas - $1.2 million
The Mercury lost in the WNBA Finals last year and have started slowly in 2026, but Cooper and Thomas could help them turn it around in a hurry.
14. Washington Mystics - $4.9 Million
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- Highest paid player: Shakira Austin - $1.2 million
Washington has been pretty mediocre since winning the 2019 title. Austin and Kiki Iriafen make a dynamite interior duo, though.
15. Portland Fire - $4.3 Million
- Highest paid player: Bridget Carleton - $1.2 million
The Fire, now in their fourth season, are still seeking their first postseason appearance. Carleton is stepping well and averaging double figures for the first time in her career.
