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The WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association reached a verbal agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement after 2 a.m. Wednesday in New York, ending more than a year of tumultuous negotiations, The Athletic reported.
The deal came 17 months after players opted out of their previous agreement and five months after that deal was initially set to expire. Talks were frequently contentious throughout the process.
League staff, WNBPA leadership and members of the union’s executive committee gathered in a conference room at the Langham hotel in midtown Manhattan and celebrated with champagne.
“I just want to say we have aligned on key elements of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement together. We still need to finalize a formal term sheet, but the progress made in these discussions marks a transformative step forward for players and the league,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said early Wednesday morning. “It underscores a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game. So, we’ll share additional details as they become available.”
Per ESPN, the agreement would tie the league’s salary system to revenue growth for the first time in WNBA history. According to The Athletic, the league proposed a $6.2 million salary cap — up from $5.75 million in its previous offer — with a supermax salary of $1.3 million in Year 1 that would climb to roughly $2 million by Year 6. Under the previous CBA, the supermax sat at just under $250,000.
The deal is also expected to enhance player benefits, codify charter travel and establish other professional standards.
“This deal is going to be transformational,” Breanna Stewart said. “It’s gonna build and help create a system where everybody is getting exactly what they deserve.”
WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike called the moment historic for women’s sports.
“This is historical for women’s sports. I told Cathy it’s not just for the players that are entering the league or the players that aren’t already here,” WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike said. “We’re just really grateful to be able to come to a deal. We’re proud of ourselves.”
The agreement still must be formalized into a term sheet and approved by players and the WNBA and NBA Board of Governors. It would be the sixth CBA in league history, following deals in 1999, 2003, 2008, 2014 and 2020.
Engelbert confirmed training camp and the regular season will start on time. The expansion draft for Portland and Toronto, the college draft and free agency for roughly 80% of the league still need to take place before camp opens April 19. The regular season tips off May 8.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
