rewrite this content and keep HTML tags (remove this from content : rewrite this content and keep HTML tags)
The WNBA just upped the ante.
The WNBA’s latest collective bargaining agreement proposal submitted to the Women’s National Basketball Players Association included a maximum base salary of $1 million in 2026, with the projected revenue-sharing component elevating total compensation for max players to more than $1.2 million, sources with knowledge of the negotiations confirmed to The Post on Monday.
Advertisement
Under the proposal, first reported by ESPN, the average player salary for the upcoming season is projected to exceed $500,000, and the minimum projected salary is expected to be more than $225,000, sources said.
The Gainbridge Fieldhouse, covered with large banners featuring WNBA players and an “AT&T WNBA All-Star Indy 2025” sign. REUTERS
The salary cap would increase from roughly $1.5 million in 2025 to $5 million in the first year of the new CBA, too, according to sources.
This proposal featured a roughly 15 percent increase from the league’s previous proposal, where the maximum base salary was estimated to be in the range of $800,000 to $850,000.
The previous proposal also projected the league minimum to be around $220,000 with an average of more than $460,000.
Advertisement
The latest proposal came to light less than a day after the two sides agreed to a 40-day extension to the current CBA that would allow the league and players’ union more time to hash out details of a new deal.
Less than an hour before the current CBA was set to expire Sunday night, the WNBA announced the two sides agreed to push the deadline to Jan. 9 at 11:59 p.m.
Either side has the option to terminate the extension with 48 hours’ advance notice.
Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) celebrates a made shot as Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) looks on during Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The players have been pushing for a more robust revenue-sharing structure and increased salaries in the next CBA.
Other priorities include a softer salary cap and improved benefits, including for mothers and former players.
Advertisement
Players want a piece of both the league and team revenue streams.
But sources said the WNBA has proposed a “fundamentally different compensation structure” that would ensure players’ compensation would grow alongside the league and team revenues.
In 2025, the league’s minimum salary was $66,079 and the supermax was $249,244.
How the players feel about the proposal was not immediately known.
The WNBPA didn’t immediately return The Post’s request for comment.
.jpg?w=350&resize=350,250&ssl=1 "Jewels unveil WNBA star Smith as club ambassador")
