Predominantly known for her outstanding performance during her senior year with the Baylor Bears, junior centre Aaronette Vonleh stood out as one of the most promising players on the roster. She entered the 2025 WNBA draft following a career high of 14.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game during the March Madness. Following the footsteps of her brother and NBA player, Noah Vonleh, Aaronette possesses an in-depth understanding and a higher basketball IQ than most of her contemporaries. But it did not prove enough.

A few days after the first pre-season game, the Dallas Wings waived the center in order to trim their roster. But for as long as it lasted, what was Aaronette’s contract worth as a rookie?

What was Aaronette Vonleh’s contract with the Dallas Wings?

The 31st overall pick had reportedly signed a three-year contract with the Dallas Wings, allegedly worth $204,253. This includes Vonleh’s average annual salary of $68,084, provided she completes her tenure with the Wings. In case she had made the team and the Wings had decided to sign her in 2028, Volneh would have stayed on a one-year contract with an assurance of $80,883. Had they not decided to abide by that option, she would have transformed into a restricted free agent by 2029.

Meanwhile, her performance in the Big 12 Championship semifinals was the talk of the town earlier this year. She scored 37 points for the first time in a single game against Oklahoma State. As a result, she single-handedly led the Bears to an 84-74 victory in overtime.

“That was honestly very unexpected for me,” Vonleh reminisced. “I feel like I don’t ever go into a game, and I’m like, ‘Yep, I’m going to have 40 tonight.’ So it was definitely surprising and rewarding to be able to have impacted the game that drastically, but I also wouldn’t have been able to do it if my teammates weren’t finding me when I was open and just setting me up for easy shots.”

Her head coach, Nicki Collen, and fellow teammates would also follow up with their appreciation for the six-foot-three player after the remarkable Big Dance stint. But just when she looked poised for the pros, fate had other plans.

What was Aaronette Vonleh’s salary for the 2025 WNBA season?

As a draft rookie, Aaronette Vonleh would earn a base annual salary of $66,079 in 2025. Though the cap hit as a freshman had not been disclosed, Volneh’s salary would have seen an increase in 2026 at $67,401. Then, for her final year, she would have earned a paycheck worth $70,773. 

After being waived off, an unprotected salary means a player will be paid only for the duration she spent in the Wings. Considering Vonleh played only one preseason game, it is likely she will only be compensated for the training camp.

As for the endorsements, the 2025 draftee doesn’t seem to have landed any brand in the three weeks she spent with the Wings. While she did sign with Baylor for officially licensed merchandise and partnered with Celsius Energy Drink in March, there weren’t any notable NIL deals that would carry on to her pro career.

Why was Aaronette Vonleh waived by the Dallas Wings?

Aaronette Volneh was waived by the Wings on May 06, 2025. The official Dallas Wings account took to Instagram and broke the news. Sharing a poster titled, “Roster Update,” the caption read, “The Dallas Wings have waived center Aaronette Vonleh.” This left the Wings with 15 players on the roster, requiring to cut down 3 more.

In her first preseason game, Vonleh contributed 1 rebound across 9 minutes that she got to play. The Baylor star, coming off a career-best season averaging 58.8% shooting, was expected to join the frontcourt anchored by Teaira McCowan. But with Paige Bueckers on the roster and JJ Quinerly showing out in the game against the Aces, the Wings had to make a few tough choices.

A player waived off will have 48 hours to be picked by another team. Shyanne Sellers for one hit the jackpot after the Dream acquired her hours afte Valkyries said goodbye. But it isn’t as easy for everyone. If a player fails to make any roster with the duration, they will become a free agent.