Jackie Young becomes WNBA’s first million-dollar player: report

 by Dollita Okine,Face2FaceAfrica.com

The Las Vegas Aces have re-signed All-Star guard Jackie Young, as announced by the team’s president and general manager, Nikki Fargas. Young has been a key player for the Aces, winning three WNBA titles in the last four seasons. 

Ahead of the signing, Reuters reported that the contract is expected to be worth $1.19 million, the maximum amount for a player not eligible for the WNBA’s max contract of $1.4 million.

“I’m incredibly grateful to the Aces organization and our amazing fans for their continued belief in me,” the 27-year-old four-time WNBA All-Star and 2022 WNBA Most Improved Player said. “From the moment I got drafted here, the Aces organization and entire Las Vegas community have made this place feel like home. I’m excited to get back to work and compete again for a championship.”

“Jackie has been a foundational piece of our success here at the Aces,” General Manager Fargas said. “She brings an unmatched competitive drive and will to win that has led to raising three championship banners. She will continue to be a valuable asset to our roster with her re-signing with the Aces.”

According to a statement, since being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft out of Notre Dame, Young has evolved into one of the league’s top guards. While her first three years showed steady improvement, the last four years have marked her transformation.

During this period, she earned four WNBA All-Star selections and was named to the All-WNBA second team in both 2023 and 2025.

In 2025, Young had a standout season, averaging 16.5 points and 5.1 assists per game, along with career bests of 4.5 rebounds and an 89.4% free-throw percentage. Her strong performance continued into the playoffs, where she averaged a career-high 20.4 points and 5.5 assists per game, which was pivotal in leading the Aces to the 2025 WNBA championship. 

That season, Young stood out as one of only seven players in the league to achieve a triple-double. Furthermore, she was one of just three players to record multiple triple-doubles, accomplishing this feat on July 29 and August 27.

The 6-foot guard’s strong performance places her among the franchise’s top ranks across numerous statistical categories. She is No. 3 in games played (243), assists (1,029), steals (271), and steals averaged (1.1 spg). 

Young also ranks No. 4 in points scored (3,412), 30-point games (5), and 10-point games (174). Furthermore, she is No. 5 in assists averaged (4.2 apg), field goal percentage (.467), and 20-point games (57). Her ranking extends to No. 6 for scoring average (14.0 ppg) and free throw percentage (.860), and she is No. 8 for rebounds (1,002).

In addition to her championships with the Aces, the 27-year-old Young has accumulated 176 career wins (and counting), the most of any player before their 28th birthday.

Before joining the WNBA, the two-time Olympic gold medalist, who hails from Princeton, Indiana, spent three seasons playing for Notre Dame. During her collegiate career, she helped lead the Fighting Irish to the 2018 NCAA championship. 

Her on-court performance earned her several accolades in 2019, including an Associated Press All-America honorable mention, a spot on the All-ACC second team, and the ACC Tournament MVP title. Over her three years in college, she maintained averages of 12.4 points, 3.5 assists, and 6.3 rebounds per game.