Breaking News: Nalyssa Smith Shocks WNBA with Million-Dollar Move to China

WNBA star Nalyssa Smith has signed a lucrative contract to play in China, earning more in one season abroad than her entire rookie contract with the Indiana Fever. Known for her solid performance as a borderline starter in the WNBA, Smith is not typically viewed as a marquee player for a “big three” scenario, yet this overseas deal speaks volumes about the demand for American talent in China.

Smith’s current rookie deal pays around $75,000 per year, but experts estimate she could be earning close to seven figures during her stint in China—an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. While the WNBA’s new Unrivaled league boasts the highest average salary in women’s sports, Smith’s decision highlights the massive financial disparity between WNBA contracts and overseas opportunities. For comparison, former WNBA star Liz Cambage reportedly made $1 million for a short three-month season in China.

Smith’s move raises questions about the sustainability of the WNBA’s current pay structure, especially as players like Caitlin Clark could potentially command multi-million-dollar contracts overseas. While some fans are lamenting Smith’s departure, others applaud her decision to secure the bag and develop further—possibly setting herself up for a more prominent role in the future, potentially outside of Indiana.

Could this be the start of a bigger trend, with more WNBA players opting for higher paychecks abroad? Only time will tell.