South Carolina Women's Basketball Stars Shine on ESPN's WNBA Top 50 List ESPN released its list of the top 50 WNBA players on Thursday, with South Carolina women’s basketball alumna A’ja Wilson leading the ranking. The list was compiled by ESPN analysts Charlie Creme, Kendra Andrews, Kareem Copeland, and Hall of Famer Michael Voepel. No rookies were included in the final rankings. Wilson, who won the last two MVP awards and four of the past six, is the only four-time MVP in WNBA history. Her dominance was highlighted as the primary reason for her top spot, with analysts noting her unparalleled consistency and statistical dominance. Wilson’s college teammate Allisha Gray, who was named first-team All-WNBA for the first time last season, ranked seventh on the list. Gray averaged 18.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 2023, marking her best statistical season. Andrews explained Gray’s placement by emphasizing her career highs in points, rebounds, and assists. Aliyah Boston, another Gamecock, was ranked 14th. Boston, who recently signed the richest contract in WNBA history, was noted for her consistency over three All-Star seasons. Her 2023 season included 15.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, with analysts highlighting her role as a facilitator during Indiana’s injury challenges. Kamilla Cardoso, the 2024 No. 3 overall WNBA draft pick, ranked 24th after a strong sophomore season. Cardoso averaged 13.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks, finishing fifth in the league in rebounds. Her performance was described as impressive enough to draw attention from the Chicago Sky, though the source does not specify any trades involving Angel Reese. Copeland noted Cardoso’s potential for growth, suggesting her third season could be even more impactful.#south_carolina #a_ja_wilson #aliyah_boston #allisha_gray #kamilla_cardoso
The WNBA Players' Collective Bargaining Agreement for 2026 Sets New Salary Standards The WNBA players and league reached a historic agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which will significantly boost player salaries starting in 2026. The terms, ratified by the league’s board of governors and unanimously approved by players, mark a major shift in the league’s financial structure, offering substantial raises across all levels of play. With the 2026 season approaching, the new CBA outlines detailed salary structures for veterans, rookies, and draft picks, reflecting the league’s commitment to improving player compensation. The salary cap for 2026 will rise to $7 million per team, a dramatic increase from the $1.5 million cap in 2025. This expansion comes as the league prepares for its first season with two new franchises, Toronto and Portland, which will participate in expansion drafts scheduled for April 6. The free agency period, set to begin April 7, and the collegiate/overseas draft on April 13, will shape team rosters under the new financial framework. For veteran players, the CBA introduces tiered salary structures based on experience and performance. Elite veterans like A’ja Wilson, a 29-year-old center with eight WNBA seasons, will see their 2026 salary jump from $200,000 in 2025 to an estimated $1.4 million, a supermax deal. Wilson, who won her third WNBA title and fourth MVP award in 2025, is expected to be among the highest-paid players due to her value to the Las Vegas Aces. Her 2026 salary will also include increased award payouts, such as a potential $60,000 for a fifth MVP win, compared to $15,450 in 2025. Average veterans, such as Alanna Smith, a 29-year-old forward with seven WNBA seasons, will also benefit from the new CBA.#las_vegas_aces #wnba_players #wnba_league #a_ja_wilson #minnesota_lynx
