Now that the collective bargaining agreement issue between the WNBA and the players has been resolved, another challenge emerges for teams. They must find the perfect balance to fit all their players within the roster structure.
With Caitlin Clark entering her third year in the professional ranks and established as the best player in the league and its most recognizable public figure, it seems like a near-impossible mission for Indiana to continue surrounding her with enough talent to contend for the Finals.
Although nothing is fully decided yet, it will certainly be a major topic for the front office to keep her alongside other successful teammates.
Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell represent significant salary cap figures
Even though the salary cap, pending confirmation from the governors, has been set at $7 million, representing a substantial increase to pay players, it also creates a major headache for teams.
This is because Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell are elite players who will undoubtedly be seeking lucrative contracts, potentially even before the 2026 season begins.
For Mitchell, for example, expectations are that she will command a supermax contract worth $1.4 million annually after being selected to the All-WNBA First Team in 2025. Meanwhile, Boston is entering the final year of her rookie deal, and her contract will require a significant raise.
The new minimum salary in the WNBA has been established at $600,000. While Clark is not eligible for an increase until 2027, when she reaches the final year of her rookie contract, it will become a major issue once negotiations begin.
If all three players secure supermax deals, it would undoubtedly put immense pressure on the front office to sign additional teammates with the talent and capability to compete for a championship.
This is where a massive negotiation process will come into play for Amber Cox. It will be crucial to see whether Boston and Mitchell are willing to compromise with management and lower their demands in favor of building a competitive roster.
However, those negotiations will not be easy. The players are fully within their rights to seek substantial increases in their earnings, given their status as top-tier stars.
For Clark, the priority in 2026 will be staying healthy, as last season was plagued by injuries that kept her off the court for extended periods. Still, she appears to have returned stronger and more dominant.
This was clearly evident during the qualifying tournament for the FIBA championship held in Puerto Rico, where she delivered outstanding performances and was ultimately named the tournament’s best player.
May 8 marks the start of the 2026 WNBA season, and franchises are now working at full speed to reshape their rosters.
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