New York, NY – The WNBA and the WNBPA announced a tentative collective bargaining agreement on Monday, marking a watershed moment for the league and professional women’s sports. The deal, pending ratification, significantly increases player compensation, with maximum salaries projected to reach $1.4 million as early as 2026 and exceeding $2.4 million by 2032. This agreement represents a substantial leap forward in revenue sharing and financial security for WNBA athletes.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert hailed the agreement as “a defining moment in the 30-year history of the WNBA and all of professional women’s sports.” She emphasized the league’s foundation built by “extraordinary athletes who believed in the future of the league,” adding that the new CBA is “a testament to that faith and the tremendous progress we have made together.”
The negotiations, spanning nearly 17 months, culminated in eight consecutive days of intensive bargaining in New York City. The WNBAPA, led by Terri Carmichael Jackson, demonstrated “exactly what this group is: prepared, relentless, and united when it mattered most,” according to Jackson. She underscored the players’ understanding that “their value drives this business and that when players win, the league wins.”
The agreement averts a potential disruption to the 2026 WNBA season, which is currently scheduled to tip off on May 8th. The WNBA Draft is slated for April 13th, with training camps opening on April 19th. Yahoo Sports reported these key dates as part of the tentative agreement.
Nneka Ogwumike, president of the WNBPA and a ten-time All-Star, expressed the players’ long-held belief that “as this league grows, the players who sustain it must grow with it.” She added, “We are proud to observe that conviction shared.” Ogwumike emphasized the commitment of current and past players to building a sustainable future for the WNBA, stating that the agreement reflects a shared ownership of value and future success.
Financial Highlights of the New CBA
The most significant changes center around player compensation. The team salary cap will jump from $1.5 million to $7 million in 2026, and will be adjusted annually based on league and team revenue growth. This increase allows teams greater flexibility in roster construction and player acquisition. The average league salary is projected to reach $583,000 in 2026, climbing to over $1 million by 2032.
Minimum salaries will also see a substantial boost. In 2026, minimum salaries will range from $270,000 to $300,000, depending on years of service, and are projected to increase to between $340,000 and $380,000 by 2032. This provides greater financial stability for players across all experience levels.
Rookie contracts are undergoing a major overhaul. The No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft is expected to earn $500,000, a dramatic increase from the $78,831 earned by Paige Bueckers, the top pick in 2025. Crucially, the new CBA will “right-size” the salaries of current rookie contract players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, ensuring they benefit from the increased compensation structure. Players who achieve MVP or All-WNBA First or Second Team honors while on their rookie contracts will be eligible to earn the maximum salary in their fourth year.
Aliyah Boston will be the first player to benefit from this provision, earning the maximum salary this season. Caitlin Clark is projected to reach the maximum salary in 2027, followed by Paige Bueckers in 2028. This incentivizes performance and rewards exceptional talent early in their careers.
Beyond Salaries: Key Provisions of the Agreement
While the salary increases are the most prominent aspect of the new CBA, other significant provisions address player well-being and support. The agreement includes provisions for league-compensated housing for lower-paid players, addressing a long-standing concern about financial burdens faced by athletes. Details regarding the specifics of housing support are expected to be released as the full CBA is drafted and ratified.
The revenue-sharing component of the CBA was a major sticking point during negotiations. Players initially sought salaries based on gross revenue, while the league proposed basing them on net revenue. The final agreement reportedly nears a 20% revenue share, representing a compromise between the two sides. This increased revenue share will directly contribute to the substantial salary increases outlined in the agreement.
The WNBA and WNBPA have released a term sheet outlining the key details of the agreement, but the full CBA must still be drafted and ratified by both parties. This process is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, solidifying the landmark agreement and paving the way for a new era of growth and prosperity for the WNBA.
The league’s continued growth, coupled with the increased financial security for its players, positions the WNBA for sustained success and further expansion in the years to come. The 2026 season promises to be a pivotal moment, showcasing the league’s commitment to its athletes and its vision for the future of women’s basketball.
What’s Next: The WNBA and WNBPA will now work to finalize the full CBA document and submit it for ratification by players and team owners. The league will then focus on preparations for the 2026 WNBA Draft on April 13th and the start of training camps on April 19th.
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