A'ja Wilson Becomes WNBA's First $5 Million Player—Updated 2026 MVP Odds

WNBA star A'ja Wilson just earned herself a massive payday with the Las Vegas Aces. With free agency and the Draft behind us, let's take a look at Wilson's new contract and MVP odds for the 2026 season, along with the Aces' WNBA Championship odds.

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Just one month ago, the players' union and the WNBA were engaged in tense negotiations over the collective bargaining agreement. There was a period when the unknown was starting to become a bigger question. As the days went by without a deal in place, the question of a lockout or strike loomed over the league. That is, until both sides agreed to a historic CBA deal on March 18. It's considered one of the most transformational CBAs in sports history, and here's why.

In a press release, Wilson has a one-word response. "KWTFGO."

Under the new deal, the CBA is expected to generate over $1 billion in player benefits and salaries. Furthermore, the six-year deal will raise the salary cap to $7 million and supermax salaries to $1.4 million. Subsequently, average salaries are expected to increase to $583,000 in 2026. One player who is reaping the benefits is four-time WNBA MVP, A'ja Wilson.

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A'ja Wilson Cashes in Big in WNBA Free Agency

It was first reported that Wilson would immediately sign with the Aces, but instead opted to wait until the bulk of free agency and the draft concluded. On Wednesday, she signed a three-year, $5 million contract to return to the Aces. Drafted by the Aces No. 1 overall in the 2018 WNBA Draft, Wilson has established herself as the franchise cornerstone and one of the most dominant players in the world. Wilson will receive an estimated $1.4 million in 2026, $1.65 million in 2027, and $1.95 million in 2028 per Spotrac.

Her teammate, Jackie Young, was the WNBA's first million-dollar player. Now, Wilson is the first $5 million player in the league. In fact, she signed the largest contract in WNBA history. An unrestricted agent in the offseason, Wilson decided to remain with the franchise she's spent her entire career with. Let's take a look at the top ten WNBA MVP odds and the Las Vegas Aces championship title odds.

2026 WNBA MVP Odds (FanDuel)

• Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever (+270)
• A'ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces (+300)
• Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty (+750)
• Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx (+900)
• Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty (+1500)
• Allisha Gray, Atlanta Dream (+1500)
• Kelsey Plum, Los Angeles Sparks (+1900)
• Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix Mercury (+2500)
• Satou Sabally, New York Liberty (+3300)
• Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream (+3300)

A'ja Wilson (+300)

Just a few weeks ago, Caitlin Clark and Wilson had equal odds to win the 2026 WNBA MVP. Now, Clark has moved ahead slightly, but Wilson has decent value at +300.

Since 2020, Breanna Stewart and Wilson have greatly dominated the MVP market, with Wilson winning MVP four times and taking home the trophy in three of the last four seasons.

There's no question that the talent is growing in the WNBA, and with a new collective bargaining agreement comes increased expectations. I do think Clark has a case for MVP, given she played just 13 regular-season games in 2025. But let's face it, only three guards have won the award in WNBA history: Cynthia Cooper (1997-98), Diana Taurasi (2009), and, if you want to count her as a guard, Sheryl Swoopes (2000, 2002, 2005).

No guard has won the award since 2009, and since then, forwards and centers have won. In this case, Wilson has a strong case if she stays healthy, and Collier is a question mark due to ankle surgery in the offseason.

Centers Have Dominated the WNBA MVP Race Since 2009

Since 2009, prominent bigs such as Lauren Jackson, Tamika Catchings, Candace Parker, Maya Moore, Elena Delle Donne, Nneka Ogwumike, Stewart, and Jonquel Jones have won MVP. The case for bigs is growing strong again for this season.

For now, I see the MVP as Wilson's to lose. The Aces re-signed their core, and the former South Carolina Gamecock did lead the Aces to a 16-0 run last season. During that run, she posted 25.5 points, 12 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.3 blocks during that span.

The only player to win four MVPs, Wilson averaged 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.3 blocks in 2025. Even more impressive, she posted a playoff stat line of 26.8 points, 10 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.1 steals, and 2.5 blocked shots.

Can A'ja Wilson Win a Fifth WNBA MVP?

We are talking about a two-time Finals MVP, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, six-time All-WNBA, five-time All-Defensive Team, and seven-time WNBA All-Star. Wilson has been considered one of the most dominant players in this generation, one who can space the floor and dominate on both ends.

Given that she's still in her prime, Wilson became the sixth player in history to record 5,000 points, 2,000 rebounds, 500 assists, 400 blocks, and 200 steals. Heading into the 2026 season, she ranks No. 21 on the all-time scoring board with 5,719 career points. Furthermore, she sits No. 18 all-time in rebounds (2,494), No. 9 for blocks (533), and No. 17 for stocks (steals + blocks) 686.

With Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray returning in free agency, Wilson has every arsenal in her bag and tools around her to win the MVP this year. Although it's not a lock, I truly believe she'll be at least among the top three this season. She has one of the most lethal mid-range shots in the game and has expanded her game even further to the perimeter. At +300 odds, Wilson has a 25% implied chance to win this year's MVP.

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2026 WNBA Championship Odds (FanDuel)

• New York Liberty (+220)
• Las Vegas Aces (+460)
• Indiana Fever (+470)
• Atlanta Dream (+600)
• Minnesota Lynx (+800)
• Los Angeles Sparks (+1500)
• Phoenix Mercury (+2200)
• Dallas Wings (+4000)
• Golden State Valkyries (+4000)
• Chicago Sky (+10000)
• Toronto Tempo (+12500)
• Washington Mystics (+15000)
• Seattle Storm (+25000)
• Connecticut Sun (+50000)
• Portland Fire (+50000)

Las Vegas Aces (+460)

There's no question that the Aces' dynasty under head coach Becky Hammon has been one of the most highly-regarded teams in sports history.

The reigning 2025 WNBA champions, this team has won a championship in three of the last four seasons, and went back-to-back from 2022-23. We are just a day out from training camp, and the Aces rounded out free agency by re-signing Young, Gray, NaLyssa Smith, and Kierstan Bell. Not to mention, they brought back Dana Evans, Jewell Loyd, and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus.

The Aces have made a Finals appearance in four of the past six seasons, so I can never count them out. They additionally signed Stephanie Talbot, Brianna Turner, and Chennedy Carter in free agency. In the 2026 WNBA Draft on Monday, the Aces selected Janiah Barker (Tennessee) and Jordan Obi of Kentucky.

While it's hard to predict how this roster will shape up in training camp, they've retained the core, which is the most important factor. I do think Carter is one of the smartest free agency pickups. Known for her ferocious competitive nature, Carter is a bucket, and the Aces could use a spark off the bench if she makes the cut.

As it turns out, the new CBA didn't affect teams as much as I thought. The Liberty retained their championship core, and the Fever re-signed crucial players. Plus, the Dream traded for Angel Reese and boasts one of the most-stacked potential lineups in the WNBA.

I think the Aces have their work cut out for them. On paper, New York and Indiana will be tough to beat. I do think the Aces could just use more size, but have proven they can win it all, even when the odds were stacked against them, like in 2025. For +460 odds, this bet has some value.

• The Aces have the players, veteran experience, and foundation to win a championship this season. If health goes their way, they can again make another deep run in the playoffs. While rosters are yet to be fine-tuned, they boast the second-best odds, behind New York, to capture another title.