Karlie Samuelson’s basketball career has been a story of resilience and sheer will. After not being drafted in the 2017 WNBA draft, she signed a deal with the Los Angeles Sparks and even appeared in 3 pre-season games. However, just as it seemed she would be able to carve out a role, she fractured her foot and was ruled out for the season. But with her grittiness, she has been able to carve out a role in any team she signed for. 

With a nearly decade-old career, Samuelson has accumulated a decent amount of career earnings. Let’s take a look at Karlie Samuelson’s contract and earnings.

What are the terms of Karlie Samuelson’s current WNBA contract?

Currently, Karlie Samuelson is under a 2-year protected contract worth $233,450 with the Washington Mystics. As per the terms of the contract, she is set to earn the full amount even after her trade and waive with the Dallas Wings. She signed this deal in the 2024 off-season with the Washington Mystics. According to the terms of her contract, she has an average annual salary of $116,725.

How much will Karlie Samuelson earn in the 2025 WNBA season?

For the 2025 WNBA season, Karlie is set to earn $118,450. The cap hit and dead cap value for her contract are also set at $118,450, further confirming the guaranteed status of her contract. 

As per her contract terms, Karlie Samuelson’s contract is in its final year, and she will be an unrestricted free agent for the 2026 WNBA season. 

What has been Karlie Samuelson’s total career earnings and contract history in the WNBA?

Karlie Samuelson has spent almost a decade playing in the WNBA. Being an undrafted player, odds were always against her; however, with her hard work, she always managed to find a role in the WNBA. Throughout her career, her WNBA earnings total $240,034. Once the 2025 WNBA season is over, her total career earnings will rise to $358,484. 

Before signing her biggest contract yet, Karlie Samuelson signed a variety of low-value short-term deals. Her first-ever WNBA contract was with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2017. 

The following is a list of all the contracts Karlie Samuelson has signed before 2024.:

• For the 2023 WNBA season, Karlie Samuelson signed a 1-year $62,675 deal with the Los Angeles Sparks. The Sparks waived her before being signed to a Rest-of-Season Hardship Contract. 
• For the 20222 WNBA season, Karlie Samuelson signed two contracts with two different teams. She first signed a 7-day contract with the Los Angeles Sparks worth $3,245. After that, she signed another 7-day deal. This time, with the Seattle Storm. Her contract with the storm was worth $17,304.
• In the 2020 WNBA season, Karlie signed with the Dallas Wings as a free agent. She signed a 1-year, $57,000 deal with the Wings.
• In 2019, Karlie Samuelson signed a 1-year, $41,965 deal with the Los Angeles Sparks. 

After being traded to the Minnesota Lynx, Karlie Samuelson had the chance to win an elusive WNBA championship. However, just 16 games into the season, she suffered a season-ending injury. With the rest of the 2025 WNBA season a wash for her, Karlie would try to land with another contender when the 2026 offseason rolls around. Till then, all the focus should be on recovering in the best way possible.