When it comes to WNBA contracts, the first player you may think of is Caitlyn Clark.
I mean, she was a two-time National Player of the Year at Iowa, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft and was the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I women’s basketball.
She hasn’t done too bad in the WNBA so far either. Clark is the first rookie with 30 points, five rebounds, and five assists since Sabrina Ionescu.
You may be surprised, however, where Clark falls in our list of 53 Most Valuable WNBA Contracts.
#53 Marquesha Davis:
Coming in at 53 in WNBA contracts is Marquesha Davis. Marquesha Davis is an American professional basketball player who was drafted by the New York Liberty with the 11th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
Born on May 29, 2001, she played college basketball for the Arkansas Razorbacks before transferring to the Ole Miss Rebels.
At Ole Miss, she had a standout career, earning First Team All-SEC honors and being named a Gillom Award Finalist. Davis is a guard known for her scoring ability and defensive prowess.
Marquesha Davis signed a 4 year , $310,718 contract with the New York Liberty, including an average annual salary of $77,680.
#52 Ezi Magbegor
Ezi Magbegor is an Australian professional basketball player who plays for the Seattle Storm in the WNBA. Born on August 13, 1999, in Wellington, New Zealand, she moved to Australia at a young age and began her basketball career there. Magbegor is a center/power forward known for her athleticism, shot-blocking ability, and defensive skills.
She has also played for the Australian national team, the Opals, and has competed in various international tournaments, including the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup and the Olympics.
Magbegor was drafted by the Seattle Storm with the 12th overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft and has since become an important player for the team, contributing significantly on both ends of the court.
Magbegor is 52nd on our list of Top 53 WNBA Contracts.
Ezi Magbegor signed a 1 year , $186,000 contract with the Seattle Storm, including $186,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $186,000
#T50 Rebecca Allen
Rebecca Allen is an Australian professional basketball player who currently plays for the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA. Born on November 6, 1992, in Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia, she is known for her versatility as a forward, combining strong defensive skills with the ability to shoot from long range.
Allen began her professional career in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) in Australia and has played for various teams, including the South East Queensland Stars and the Melbourne Boomers. In the WNBA, she was initially signed by the New York Liberty in 2015 and has since established herself as a valuable player in the league, known for her three-point shooting, defense, and hustle.
In addition to her WNBA career, Allen has been a significant contributor to the Australian national team, the Opals, competing in international tournaments such as the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup and the Olympic Games.
On our list of The 53 Most Valuable WNBA Contracts, Allen ranks at 50th. Rebecca Allen signed a 2 year , $277,850 contract with the New York Liberty, including $277,850 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $138,925.
#T50 Isabelle Harrison
Isabelle Harrison is an American professional basketball player who currently plays as a forward for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA. She was born on September 27, 1993, in Nashville, Tennessee. Harrison played college basketball at the University of Tennessee for the Lady Volunteers, where she was a standout player known for her athleticism and versatility.
In the 2015 WNBA Draft, Harrison was selected 12th overall by the Phoenix Mercury. However, she missed her rookie season due to an ACL injury. She later played for the San Antonio Stars (which became the Las Vegas Aces), the Dallas Wings, and then joined the Chicago Sky.
Harrison is recognized for her scoring, rebounding, and defensive skills. In addition to her WNBA career, she has played overseas in various leagues, including in Italy, Turkey, and South Korea. Throughout her career, she has been an impactful player, contributing significantly to her teams both domestically and internationally.
Isabelle Harrison signed a 2 year , $320,000 contract with the Chicago Sky, including $320,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $160,000.
#T46 Alissa Pili
Pili, a Forward for the Minnesota Lynx, signed a 4 year , $324,383 contract with the Minnesota Lynx, including an average annual salary of $81,096.
#T46 Aaliyah Edwards
Aaliyah Edwards signed a 4 year , $324,383 contract with the Washington Mystics, including an average annual salary of $81,096
#T46 Jacy Sheldon
Jacy Sheldon is an American professional basketball player who was drafted by the Dallas Wings in the 2023 WNBA Draft. Born on January 20, 2001, in Dublin, Ohio, she played college basketball for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Sheldon is known for her scoring ability, quickness, and defensive skills. During her college career, she was a standout guard, earning numerous accolades and being recognized as one of the top players in the Big Ten Conference.
Jacy Sheldon signed a 4 year , $324,383 contract with the Dallas Wings, including an average annual salary of $81,096.
#T46 Angel Reese
Angel Reese is tied for 46th on our list of 53 Most Valuable WNBA Contracts. Reese is a power forward for the Chicago Sky.
Born on May 6, 2002, in Randallstown, Maryland, Reese is known for her versatility, athleticism, and scoring ability. She started her college career at the University of Maryland, where she quickly became a standout player.
Reese transferred to LSU and continued to excel, making significant contributions to her team’s success.
Reese’s impact on the court includes her scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess, making her a key player for her team.
Reese recently extended her WNBA single-season record for consecutive games with a double double to 12.
Angel Reese signed a 4 year , $324,383 contract with the Chicago Sky, including an average annual salary of $81,096.
#T41 Caitlin Clark
Well, here it is folks. If you’ve been wondering where Indiana Fever Guard Caitlin Clark ranks on our list of 53 Most Valuable WNBA Contracts, now you know!
Caitlin Clark signed a 4 year , $338,056 contract with the Indiana Fever, including an average annual salary of $84,514.
#T41 Cameron Brink
Clark is in good company on the 53 Most Valuable WNBA Contracts list with Los Angeles Sparks’ Forward Cameron Brink. Brink signed a 4 year , $338,056 contract, including an average annual salary of $84,514.
#T41 Kamilla Cardoso
Kamilla Cardoso signed a 4 year , $338,056 contract with the Chicago Sky, including an average annual salary of $84,514.
#T41 Rickea Jackson
Rickea Jackson signed a 4 year, $338,056 contract with the Los Angeles Sparks, including an average annual salary of $84,514.
#T41 Stephanie Soares
Stephanie Soares signed a 4 year , $338,056 contract with the Dallas Wings, including an average annual salary of $84,514.
#40 Stefanie Dolson
Stefanie Dolson signed a 2 year , $345,000 contract with the Washington Mystics, including $345,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $172,500.
#39 Courtney Williams
Courtney Williams signed a 2 year , $355,000 contract with the Minnesota Lynx, including $355,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $177,500.
#38 Katie Lee Samuelson
Katie Lou Samuelson signed a 2 year , $355,250 contract with the Indiana Fever, including $355,250 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $177,625
#37 Betnijah Laney
Betnijah Laney signed a 3 year , $588,801 contract with the New York Liberty, including $588,801 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $196,267.
#36 Jordin Canada
Jordin Canada signed a 2 year , $375,000 contract with the Los Angeles Sparks, including $375,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $187,500.
#35 Courtney Vandersloot
Courtney Vandersloot signed a 2 year , $383,670 contract with the New York Liberty, including $383,670 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $191,835.
#T33 Jonquel Jones
Jonquel Jones signed a 2 year , $385,000 contract with the New York Liberty, including $385,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $192,500.
#T33 Azurá Stevens
Azurá Stevens signed a 2 year , $385,000 contract with the Los Angeles Sparks, including $385,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $192,500.
#T32 Kalani Brown
Kalani Brown signed a 3 year , $386,250 contract with the Dallas Wings, including $386,250 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $128,750
#31 Chelsea Gray
Chelsea Gray signed a 2 year , $392,534 contract with the Las Vegas Aces, including $392,534 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $196,267.
#T26 Natasha Cloud
Natasha Cloud signed a 2 year , $400,000 contract with the Phoenix Mercury, including $400,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $200,000.
#T26 Ariel Atkins
Ariel Atkins signed a 2 year , $400,000 contract with the Washington Mystics, including $400,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $200,000.
#T26 A’ja Wilson
A’ja Wilson signed a 2 year , $400,000 contract with the Las Vegas Aces, including $400,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $200,000. In 2024, Wilson will earn a base salary of $200,000, while carrying a cap hit of $200,000 and a dead cap value of $200,000.
#25 Sabrina Ionescu
Sabrina Ionescu signed a 2 year , $410,060 contract with the New York Liberty, including $410,060 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $205,030.
In 2024, Ionescu will earn a base salary of $202,000, while carrying a cap hit of $202,000 and a dead cap value of $410,060.
#24 Kayla McBride
Kayla McBride signed a 2 year , $413,000 contract with the Minnesota Lynx, including $413,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $206,500.
#23 Skylar Diggins-Smith
Skylar Diggins-Smith signed a 2 year , $422,685 contract with the Seattle Storm, including $422,685 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $211,343.
#22 Kelsey Plum
Kelsey Plum signed a 3 year , $423,250 contract with the Las Vegas Aces, including an average annual salary of $141,083.
#21 Moriah Jefferson
Moriah Jefferson signed a 3 year , $424,500 contract with the Phoenix Mercury, including $424,500 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $141,500
#20 Erica Wheeler
Moriah Jefferson signed a 3 year , $424,500 contract with the Phoenix Mercury, including $424,500 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $141,500.
#19 Jewell Lloyd
Jewell Loyd signed a 2 year , $463,030 contract with the Seattle Storm, including $463,030 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $231,515.
#18 Diana Taurasi
Diana Taurasi signed a 2 year , $469,872 contract with the Phoenix Mercury, including $469,872 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $234,936.
#17 Mercedes Russell
Mercedes Russell comes in the list of 53 Most Valuable WNBA Contracts at 17. Russell signed a 3 year , $480,000 contract with the Seattle Storm, including $480,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $160,000.
#16 Kahleah Copper
Kahleah Copper signed a 2 year , $490,118 contract with the Chicago Sky, including $490,118 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $245,059.
#15 Jewell Loyd
This Seattle Storm Guard comes in 15th on our list of 53 Most Valuable WNBA Contracts. Jewell Loyd signed a 2 year , $491,016 contract, including $491,016 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $245,508.
#14 Allisha Gray
Allisha Gray signed a 3 year , $494,400 contract with the Dallas Wings, including $494,400 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $164,800.
#13 Jackie Young
Jackie Young signed a 2 year , $504,900 contract with the Las Vegas Aces, including an average annual salary of $252,450.
#12 Myisha Hines-Allen
Myisha Hines-Allen signed a 3 year , $525,300 contract with the Washington Mystics, including $525,300 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $175,100.
#11 Napheesa Collier
Napheesa Collier signed a 3 year , $552,516 contract with the Minnesota Lynx, including an average annual salary of $184,172.
#10 Cheyenne Parker
Cheyenne Parker signed a 3 year , $571,650 contract with the Atlanta Dream, including $571,650 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $190,550.
#9 Brittney Sykes
Brittney Sykes comes in ninth on our list of 53 Most Valuable WNBA Contracts.
Sykes is a guard for the Washington Mystics.
Sykes played college basketball at Syracuse University. She was selected 7th overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2017 WNBA Draft. Sykes played for the Dream until 2020, when she was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks. She joined the Washington Mystics in 2023, signing a three-year contract.
Sykes was a WNBA All-Defensive First Team in 2021 and WNBA All-Defensive Second Team selection in 2020 and 2022. She was also named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team in 2017.
Brittney Sykes signed a 3 year , $575,000 contract with the Washington Mystics, including $575,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $191,667.
#8 Teaira McCowan
Teaira McCowan is a center for the Dallas Wings.
McCowan comes in eighth on The 53 Most Valuable WNBA Contracts.
Third overall selection in WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever in 2019. McCowan appeared in 33 games for Dallas in 2022, averaging 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks. McCowan finished 13th in the entire league in rebounding and was top 30 in the league in blocks.
Teaira McCowan signed a 3 year , $587,100 contract with the Dallas Wings, including $587,100 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $195,700.
#T6 Betnijah Laney
Betnijah Laney signed a 2 year , $365,400 contract with the New York Liberty, including $365,400 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $182,700.
#T6 Kayla McBride
Betnijah Laney signed a 2 year , $365,400 contract with the New York Liberty, including $365,400 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $182,700.
#5 Kelsey Mitchell
Kelsey Mitchell signed a 3 year , $618,000 contract with the Indiana Fever, including $618,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $206,000.
#4 Marina Mabrey
Marina Mabrey signed a 3 year , $620,000 contract with the Chicago Sky, including $620,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $206,667.
#3 Arike Ogunbowale
Arike Ogunbowale signed a 3 year , $725,952 contract with the Dallas Wings, including $725,952 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $241,984.
#2 Alyssa Thomas
Arike Ogunbowale signed a 3 year , $725,952 contract with the Dallas Wings, including $725,952 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $241,984.
#1 Natasha Howard
Here she is everybody! The number one ranked player on The 53 Most Valuable WNBA Contracts.
Natasha Howard began her WNBA career with the Indiana Fever after being selected fifth overall in the 2014 draft. Later Howard played for the Minnesota Lynx. With the Lynx, Howard won her first WNBA championship in 2017.
With the Seattle Storm in 2018 she had a breakout season, becoming a key player in their championship runs in 2018 and 2020. She earned the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 and several All-Star selections.
In 2021, Howard was traded to the New York Liberty. In January 2023, she joined the Dallas Wings.
Howard signed a $898,700 contract with an average annual salary of $224,675.
We used Spotrac‘s list for reference.
What Now?
Well, there you have it, the list of 53 Most Valuable WNBA contracts. Keep in mind, this is often not these athletes’ only source of income.
We all love a side hustle, right? Many athletes have lucrative Name In Likeness deals.
According to Fortune, Caitlin Clark’s NIL deal worth is $3.1 million.
