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Debate

Does Jackie Young's contract prove that WNBA players are finally getting the recognition they deserve?

There’s a lot more to Jackie Young than just her impressive stats. She’s a two-time champion, an All-Star, and an absolute powerhouse on the court. She has been in the spotlight for all the right reasons. But have you ever wondered just how much all that hard work and talent are worth? This impressive career comes with its perks—both on the court and off, including a pretty solid bank balance.

The 27-year-old’s net worth currently stands at around $1.5 million. And it’s no surprise, as she is the highest-paid player in the WNBA this year. Her contract with the Las Vegas Aces is quite the catch. Jackie will be earning a league-leading base salary of $252,420 for the 2024 WNBA season. And this isn’t just a one-off figure; she signed a two-year extension worth a whopping $504,950 with the Aces back in 2022. 

Over the past few years, there has been a major rise in her earnings. In 2022, at age 24, the LV Aces guard earned $72,141. By 2023, her salary jumped to $165,000 at age 26. For both 2024 and 2025, her salary will be $252,420. With an average salary of $252,450, her career earnings now stand at $407,747. By the end of her contract in 2025, Jackie will become an unrestricted free agent. 

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USA Today via Reuters

This basically means she’ll have the chance to decide her next big move. However, the Aces made sure to secure her for another year after the initial two-year extension expired, so it’s clear how valuable she is to the team. But is WNBA her only source of income?

Jackie Young’s Rising Income in the WNBA

Being a WNBA player isn’t just about the salary. Big stars like Jackie also have other avenues that bring in the bucks. While there isn’t a lot of information about endorsements or other business ventures she might be involved in, WNBA players often pick up deals with brands. And considering Jackie’s reputation and success, it’s very likely she’s got some endorsements under her belt, too. 

But even if we don’t have all the details on her off-court earnings, her success with the Aces definitely contributes to a very promising financial future. Apart from the money matters, the 2019 WNBA All-Rookie Team star’s journey is one of pure determination and talent. Before she became the star we all know, Jackie played college basketball at Notre Dame. In fact, she led Notre Dame to an NCAA championship in 2018.

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Does Jackie Young's contract prove that WNBA players are finally getting the recognition they deserve?

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She was so good that she was drafted as the number one overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft. Over her career, Young has averaged 13.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Her shooting percentages have also been impressive, with a career field goal percentage of 47.3% and a three-point shooting percentage of 38.8%.

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Also, how can we forget the Silent Assassin’s Olympic wins? She was a part of the team that won Olympic gold in women’s 3×3 basketball at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Originally not named to the roster, she stepped in after Katie Lou Samuelson tested positive for COVID-19. Then, at the Paris 2024 Olympics, she averaged 9.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game for Team USA. She shot 53.8% from the field, including 61.5% on two-point attempts, and contributed defensively with 1.5 steals per game.

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And it’s not just about her stats; Young’s versatility stands out. She is not only an offensive powerhouse but also excels on the defensive end. In her most recent seasons, she has averaged over 1.4 steals per game, showcasing her ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. In 2022, she recorded career-highs, averaging 15.9 points and improving her efficiency, which also earned her the ‘WNBA Most Improved Player award.’

The WNBA star has kept improving ever since. Well, she has a bright future ahead, no doubt about that. With her current contract wrapping up in 2025, there’s bound to be a lot of speculation about her next big deal. But whether she stays with the Aces or chooses to explore, her demand will remain sky-high. After all, what reasons could there possibly be for her not to be?

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