Las Vegas Aces standout Jackie Young is poised to break new ground in women’s professional basketball, with reports indicating she’ll become the league’s first player to earn more than $1 million per season.
According to ESPN sources on Thursday, the 28-year-old guard is finalizing a one-year agreement valued at $1.19 million with the defending champion Aces. This figure represents the highest possible salary for players who don’t qualify for the league’s top-tier maximum contract of $1.4 million.
The historic agreement ensures Young remains in Las Vegas rather than entering free agency. During the 2025 season, the four-time All-Star contributed 16.5 points, 5.1 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game, playing a crucial role in the Aces capturing their third championship title in four seasons.
Young’s professional journey began when Las Vegas selected her as the top overall pick in the 2019 draft following her standout career at Notre Dame. She inked a contract extension with the franchise in May 2024. Her impressive resume includes four All-Star selections, two All-WNBA honors, and the 2022 Most Improved Player award.
Beyond her WNBA success, Young has excelled on the international stage, capturing Olympic gold medals in both 3×3 basketball at the 2020 Tokyo Games and traditional 5-on-5 competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She also helped Notre Dame claim a national championship in 2018.
With Young’s return now secured, Las Vegas will focus on retaining other key players, including four-time MVP and two-time Finals MVP A’ja Wilson, who has expressed interest in staying with the team, along with six-time All-Star guard Chelsea Gray.
