Alanna Smith turns $98K grind into $5.2M payday

• ‍Exclusive: Opals star Alanna Smith on her WNBA rise‍
• How 'hard work, tears' pushed All-Star 5 Alanna‍
• Latest News: Read more about Aussies in the WNBA

Australian co-WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith has signed one of the most lucrative contracts by an Australian in WNBA history with the Dallas Wings.

Smith, 29, joined the Wings as a free agent on a three-year deal worth USD $3.75 million (approximately AUD $5.2 million) under the new WNBA collective bargaining agreement. Her contract averages USD $1.25 million per season, with a 2026 base salary of USD $1.19 million.

Her super max contract pays USD $1.25 million per season.

“It doesn’t feel real, to be honest,” SMH.com.au reported Smith said on Sunday.

“You put so much hard work into your craft, and to be rewarded for it is pretty cool.

“I just feel grateful to be in this position and hopefully lead the way for other women to get what they deserve as well.”

Opals teammate Ezi Magbegor is the equal highest paid Australian women's basketballer alongside Smith in the WNBA in 2026.

Magbegor, 26, was one of 10 players on 10 different teams to receive the core offer, signing a three-year contract with the Seattle Storm worth USD $3.75 million (approximately AUD $5.2 million) ahead of the 2026 season.

Alanna Smith Total earnings (7 seasons):

• Rookie (2019–2022): $219,235
• 2022 deal: $72,141
• 2023 deal: $100,000
• 2024–2025 deal: $300,000

> Total: $691,376
> Average per year: ~$98,768

New CBA Era Deal (2026–2028)

• ‍3 years / $3,748,500 >$1,249,500 average per year (fully guaranteed)

Alanna Smith: Old CBA vs New CBA

Single-Year Increase

2025 → 2026 jump:
> ~$150K → $1.19M
> ~+693% increase

Total Value Comparison

• First 7 years combined: $691K
• Next 3 years: $3.75M

She will earn ~5.4× more in 3 years than her entire first 7 seasons

The Australian Opals Olympic Games bronze medallist was the cornerstone of the Minnesota Lynx and came within a game of winning the 2024 WNBA championship before falling to Sandy Brondello’s New York Liberty and an epic five-game series.

"As the reigning Co-Defensive Player of the Year, she is one of the top two-way players in the WNBA who consistently impacts both sides of the ball," Wings genera; manager Curt Miller said in a statement.

"From a defensive standpoint, Alanna gives our coaching staff unbelievable versatility – she can play multiple coverages and drastically affect shots around the paint. Offensively – we are excited to pair her with our outstanding guards, showcasing her ability to play inside or outside."

Smith joins forces with WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers on the Wings, who have the No1 pick in (AEST) tomorrow's WNBA Draft.

“It’s hard to put into words what my time in Minnesota has meant to me,” Smith wrote on Instagram.

“This team and this city embraced me, and I am so grateful for all the love and support and how this Aussie girl was welcomed with open arms.

“Forever will hold a special place in my heart.”

Smith is a 210-game seven-year WNBA veteran. She started her career with the Phoenix Mercury in 2019, signed with the Indiana Fever in 2022, the Chicago Sky in 2023, and the Lynx in 2024.

She is coming off the best season of her career.

WNBA Average (2025 Season)

Minutes: 26.5 │ Points: 9.6 │ FG: 48.5% │ 2PT FG: 63.3% │ 3PT FG: 32.9% │ FT: 47.7% │ Rebounds: 5.1 │ Assists: 2.9 │ Steals: 1.3 │ Blocks: 1.9

WNBA Snapshot

• Averaged 9.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists across 42 games.
• Shot 48.5% from the field, including elite 63.3% on two-point attempts.
• Three-point volume increased to 3.8 attempts per game.
• Free-throw shooting dipped to 47.7% (0.7/1.5 per game).
• Defensive anchor — 1.9 blocks and 1.3 steals per game.
• Named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2025)