What happened: South Carolina coach Dawn Staley told guard Raven Johnson on March 20 she'll make more as a WNBA rookie than A'ja Wilson or Aliyah Boston due to the new CBA. Staley emphasized the deal's historic pay increases while Johnson sat beside her post-tournament game. The WNBA and players' union announced a tentative CBA agreement on March 21, boosting the 2026 salary cap to $7 million from $1.5 million.

Why it matters: The CBA raises rookie scales dramatically, potentially 100 times past levels, making top picks financially viable and altering draft strategies. Johnson's projected late first-round status gains appeal amid elevated earnings vs. veterans' early careers.

What to watch: Monitor Johnson's NCAA Tournament play for draft stock shifts; await CBA ratification and rookie salary scale details.