Paige Bueckers was the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, and many expected her to lead in every way, including the paycheck. But when rookie contracts were signed, she had to share that top spot.
Three other players from the top-four picks are earning the same base salary as Bueckers, making it a four-way tie for the highest-paid rookie.
Paige Bueckers
In 2025, the no. 1 pick Bueckers is one of the top earning rookies with a base salary of $78,831. The duration of her contract is around four years. During this time, she will make $348,198.
Even after looking at her base salary, she has to share the number one spot with three other players.
However, her earning is not limited to the WNBA only. Before she was drafted, she made a three year deal with the 3-on-3 Unrivaled League, co-founded by Olympians Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.
If we look at her stats, we know why she was a number one pick for the Wings. During her time at UConn, she racked up an average of 19.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.
Dominique Malonga
Dominique Malonga is the second overall pick by the Seattle Storm, with a four-year contract worth $348,198. She is set earn a base salary of $78,831.
Her selection shows her outstanding performance in European basketball where she was named EuroCup Women MVP twice during the 2024–25 season. We also have to look into the factor of her stats which made her the second pick. She averaged 20.5 points and 12 rebounds per game, and has positioned herself as a promising talent in the WNBA.
Sonia Citron
The Washington Mystics picked Citron as the overall No. 3 with a four-year contract worth $348,198. She will get a base salary of $78,831.
Beyond the WNBA, she has collaborated with major brands such as Fan Basis and Therabody and has also represented the United States in international competitions.
In her senior season, Citron averaged 14.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, shooting 48.4% from the field and 37.2% from beyond the arc. Her defensive prowess was evident with 1.9 steals and 0.9 blocks per game, and she led the ACC with a 90% free-throw percentage.
Kiki Iriafen
Kiki Iriafen is the no. 4 overall pick – by Washington Mystics in the 2025 WNBA Draft. She will earn $78,831 as a base salary during the first year of her four-year contract at a total value of $348,198.
Beyond her WNBA contract, she has made many NIL deals. One of them is a notable collaboration with Chipotle, which featured a personalized “Kiki Iriafen Bowl” on their menu.
She was selected as Mystics’ no. 4 because she averaged 18.4 points with 8.6 rebounds during her final season at USC.