At just 15 years old, Kamilla Cardoso boarded a plane from Brazil to a country thousands of miles away; a place where she knew no one, didn’t speak the language, and had never experienced the culture. All she carried with her was a dream: to play professional basketball and give her family a better life. “I knew I had a dream I wanted to accomplish,” she recalls. Today, as we look at Chicago Sky star forward’s earnings, it’s clear she has done more than chase that dream.
What is Kamilla Cardoso’s Net Worth?
Kamilla Cardoso’s estimated net worth is around $1 million, according to several online sources. Her income comes from both her WNBA salary and endorsement deals. With a strong start to her pro career and an expanding portfolio, her earnings are expected to rise in the years ahead.
Kamilla Cardoso’s Contract Breakdown
The Chicago Sky selected former South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. According to Spotrac, she signed a four-year deal with the Sky on April 19, 2024, worth $338,056.
Cardoso earned $76,535 in her rookie season and is set to make $78,066 in her second year. Her third-year salary will be $85,873, while her fourth-year option is valued at $97,582. The fifth year of the contract will be a team option.
Kamilla Cardoso’s Career Earnings
The total contract value of $338,056 averages out to about $84,514 per year, a solid deal for a rookie. Here’s the four-year breakdown before she hits free agency in 2028:
Year
Team
Salary
2024
Chicago Sky
$76,535
2025
Chicago Sky
$78,066
2026
Chicago Sky
$85,873
2027
Chicago Sky
$97,582
Kamilla Cardoso’s College and Professional Career
Cardoso’s basketball journey began in Brazil, where at just 15 years old, she left home to chase her dream of playing professionally. She moved to the United States without knowing the language or the culture, starting her new life at Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Tennessee under coach Keisha Hunt.
“I saw her video, and she was probably about 6’4, 6’5 at just 13 or 14,” Hunt recalled. “She was running up and down the court as fast as the guards. Very coordinated.” Cardoso adapted quickly; learning English, adjusting to American life, and dominating on the court. She graduated as the No. 1 ranked center in the Class of 2020 and a McDonald’s All-American.
Then she began her college career at Syracuse University, but shortly transferred to South Carolina after one season. Under legendary coach Dawn Staley, she won two national championships (2022, 2024) and collected numerous honors, including:
SEC Sixth Woman of the Year
SEC Defensive Player of the Year
NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player
Her senior season was a breakout year, averaging 14.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2 assists per game while blocking 82 shots. She led South Carolina to an undefeated season and became the first team since 2016 to win the national title without a single loss. But despite all the accolades, what she cherishes most is the experience of being coached by Staley. “She means a lot to me. I feel like, since the first day I got to South Carolina, she’s worked so hard to get me ready and prepared for moments like this,” Cardoso said. “I’m just so thankful to have her as a coach.”
Apr 7, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Kamilla Cardoso (10) embraces head coach Dawn Staley in the fourth quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the finals of the Final Four of the womens 2024 NCAA Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
On draft night, it all came a full circle. “I had a goal to be here tonight and give my family a better life,” the Brazilian hooper said. Being drafted third overall by the Chicago Sky was a dream come true. Off the court, she’s signed endorsement deals with major brands like L’Oréal, Nike, American Eagle, and AT&T, showing her growing influence beyond basketball.
On court, after averaging 9.8 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, and ranking second in the league (behind teammate Angel Reese) in offensive rebounds and being named to All-Rookie, her second WNBA season has had ups and downs. Still she has improved a lot and is putting 12.6 points and 8.3 rebound per night. Beyond the numbers, her progress and potential remain clear.
And through it all, the drive that brought her from Brazil to the U.S. at 15 still fuels her journey.
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