What Happened to Jacquelyn Young?
Jackie Young is an American professional basketball player who has established herself as a cornerstone of the Las Vegas Aces dynasty, winning three WNBA championships (2022, 2023, 2025) and earning multiple All-Star selections. She is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist, securing titles in 3x3 basketball (2020) and 5x5 basketball (2024), and made history in April 2026 by signing the WNBA's first-ever million-dollar contract.
Quick Answer
Jackie Young is currently a star shooting guard for the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA, where she has won three championships (2022, 2023, 2025) and is a five-time WNBA All-Star, including her selection in July 2026. In April 2026, she made headlines by signing a historic one-year, $1.19 million contract with the Aces, becoming the first player in WNBA history to earn a seven-figure deal. Young is also a decorated Olympian, holding gold medals from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (3x3) and the 2024 Paris Olympics (5x5). As of August 2026, she continues to be a pivotal player for the Aces, averaging 17.5 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game in the current season.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Wins Indiana High School State Championship
Jackie Young leads Princeton Community High School to the Indiana High School Athletic Association Class 3A state championship.
Named Indiana Miss Basketball
Young receives the prestigious Indiana Miss Basketball award and sets the state's all-time scoring record for both boys and girls with 3,268 career points.
Wins NCAA Championship with Notre Dame
As a sophomore, Young helps the Notre Dame Fighting Irish win the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship.
Drafted 1st Overall by Las Vegas Aces
Jackie Young is selected as the first overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft by the Las Vegas Aces. She is also named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team.
Wins Olympic Gold in 3x3 Basketball
Young earns a gold medal in Women's 3x3 basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo (postponed to 2021).
Named WNBA Most Improved Player & Wins First WNBA Championship
Young is recognized as the WNBA Most Improved Player and plays a pivotal role in the Las Vegas Aces winning their first WNBA Championship. She also earns her first WNBA All-Star selection.
Wins Second WNBA Championship & All-WNBA Second Team
Jackie Young helps the Las Vegas Aces secure their second consecutive WNBA Championship and is named to the All-WNBA Second Team. She is also a WNBA All-Star starter.
Wins Olympic Gold in 5x5 Basketball
Young wins her second Olympic gold medal as part of the U.S. Women's 5x5 Basketball Team at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Wins Third WNBA Championship & All-WNBA Second Team
The Las Vegas Aces, with Young as a key player, win their third WNBA Championship in four seasons. She is also named to the All-WNBA Second Team and is a WNBA All-Star starter.
Signs Historic $1.19 Million Contract
Jackie Young signs a one-year, $1.19 million contract with the Las Vegas Aces, becoming the first player in WNBA history to sign a seven-figure deal.
Named 2026 WNBA All-Star Reserve
Young is announced as a WNBA All-Star reserve for the 2026 All-Star Game, marking her fifth consecutive selection.
Records Double-Double in Loss to Chicago
Young registers 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists in the Las Vegas Aces' 84-83 loss to the Chicago Sky, marking her fifth double-double of the 2026 season.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Jacquelyn 'Jackie' Young's basketball journey began with remarkable success in high school, where she became Indiana's all-time leading scorer and led Princeton Community High School to a state championship. Her collegiate career at Notre Dame was equally impressive, culminating in an NCAA championship in 2018. Young's exceptional talent led her to be drafted first overall by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2019 WNBA Draft, marking the beginning of her professional career.
Initially playing as a point guard, Young quickly adapted to the professional game, earning a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team in 2019. A significant turning point in her career came in 2022 when she was named the WNBA Most Improved Player, a testament to her enhanced performance and versatility on the court. That same year, she played a crucial role in leading the Las Vegas Aces to their first WNBA championship, a feat they would repeat in 2023 and 2025, solidifying the team's status as a dynasty.
Beyond the WNBA, Young has achieved international acclaim, representing Team USA in multiple Olympic Games. She earned her first gold medal in the inaugural 3x3 basketball event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021). Her success continued at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she secured another gold medal as a member of the dominant 5x5 U.S. Women's Basketball Team, further cementing her reputation as a 'proven winner at every level.'
The year 2026 brought another historic milestone for Young. In April, she signed a one-year contract with the Las Vegas Aces worth $1.19 million, making her the first player in WNBA history to sign a seven-figure deal. This groundbreaking contract, facilitated by the league's new collective bargaining agreement, underscored her value as one of the league's premier two-way guards and a vital component of the Aces' championship core alongside stars like A'ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray.
As of August 4, 2026, Jackie Young continues to be a dominant force in the WNBA. She was named a 2026 WNBA All-Star reserve in July, marking her fifth consecutive All-Star selection. Through 29 regular-season appearances in 2026, Young is averaging 17.5 points, a career-high 6.7 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game, demonstrating her continued growth and impact. Her recent performances include a 29-point, 9-assist effort in a victory over the New York Liberty on July 30, 2026, and a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds on August 1, 2026. She remains a key player for the Las Vegas Aces as they pursue another championship.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Jacquelyn Young made different choices?