In a league where every assist matters and buzzer-beaters make history, there’s one move that happens far from the court but makes just as much noise: the supermax. A rare contract that says, loud and clear—you’re gold.
But a supermax isn’t only about stats. It rewards loyalty, leadership and the kind of impact that can’t be measured by a box score. When a franchise offers it, they’re not just paying for talent—they’re investing in a legacy that defines an era.
So who are the players reaching that upper echelon? And what exactly qualifies someone for this elite deal? To understand the WNBA’s present and its future, it helps to follow the money and who’s earning every cent.
What is a Supermax?
In the WNBA, the word “supermax” carries more weight than a highlight reel. It’s not just a high salary—it’s a badge of honor. Reserved for the league’s most influential stars, the supermax is the largest possible salary a player can earn under the current collective bargaining agreement.
Arike Ogunbowale #24 celebrates a three point basket with Caitlin Clark #22 and Allisha Gray #15 of Team WNBA in the second half against Team USA during the 2024 WNBA All Star Game. (Source: Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
As of 2025, that figure sits at $249,244, compared to the regular max of $214,466. This isn’t handed out lightly. It’s a contract that speaks volumes: you’re not just valuable—you’re vital. It’s a reflection of skill, longevity and how central a player is to a franchise’s identity.
Eligibility rules
Getting a supermax deal isn’t as simple as leading the league in scoring. The WNBA has clear eligibility rules that tie this contract to experience and loyalty. To even be considered, a player needs at least five years in the league and must be re-signing with her current team.
That clause is no accident—it’s the league’s way of encouraging franchises to build around long-term talent rather than chasing free agents every season. For players on their rookie scale contracts, a supermax extension can be triggered after their fourth year, but it won’t kick in until the fifth.
Cap impact
Of course, offering a supermax isn’t just about rewarding your stars—it’s a puzzle piece in a much larger financial game. With the 2025 salary cap set at $1,507,100, a single supermax deal eats up over 16% of a team’s total space.
Caitlin Clark #22 of Team WNBA reacts during the first half of the 2024 WNBA All Star Game at Footprint Center on July 20, 2024. (Source: Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
That forces front offices into tough choices. Do you lock in a franchise cornerstone, knowing it might limit your ability to sign complementary players? Or do you try to spread the wealth, risking the loss of your top performer?
Teams like the Las Vegas Aces and Connecticut Sun have faced that question head-on, often opting to pay up in the name of continuity and chemistry, according to sources like Her Hoops Stats.
Recent examples
Recent seasons have shown exactly how franchises use the supermax to retain stars and send a clear message. The Las Vegas Aces gave Kelsey Plum the supermax via the core designation, a tool that allows a team to essentially block a player from free agency.
That one-year, $249K deal speaks to Plum’s value—not just on the court, but as part of the Aces’ identity. The Connecticut Sun took a similar route with Alyssa Thomas, another cornerstone player who defines the team’s style and spirit. These contracts are never just about numbers. They’re about building legacies—and making sure those legacies stay put.
