A potential five-year contract worth up to $326 million! Wembanyama could secure an early extension next summer, with a possibility of earning a nine-figure salary.

On August 14, Beijing time, the well-known media outlet ESPN published an article looking ahead to the 2026 offseason, mentioning players eligible for rookie extension contracts, with Wembanyama undoubtedly being the most talked-about young player.

Beginning in the 2026 offseason, Wembanyama will qualify to sign a five-year rookie extension contract valued at $271 million, with the first year starting in the 2027-28 season. If Wembanyama wins the regular season MVP, the Defensive Player of the Year award, or makes any of the All-NBA first, second, or third teams during the 2026-27 season, the contract's value could rise to $326 million.

Other noteworthy players eligible for rookie extension contracts during the 2026 offseason include: Ausar Thompson, Amen Thompson, Podziemski, Brandon Miller, Carson Wallace, and Lively.

It is important to note that since Wembanyama will not qualify for league honors in the 2024-25 season (due to not meeting the minimum appearance requirement of 65 games), even if he meets the relevant standards in the 2025-26 season, he will not be able to earn 30% of the salary cap in the first year of the extension contract.

By the time Wembanyama completes the five-year new contract (or opts out after four years), he is expected to have the opportunity to sign another five-year deal. Given the salary cap at that time and the honors Wembanyama may achieve, he is likely to secure a super contract exceeding $500 million over five years, making a nine-figure annual salary a strong possibility.

Salary experts have already calculated that Wembanyama's super contract worth over $500 million is expected to take effect starting in the 2031-32 season, with annual salaries of $87.4 million, $94.4 million, $102 million, $110 million, and $119 million in succession.