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The WNBA and its players’ union have reached a verbal agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement, ending a prolonged stretch of tense negotiations and late-night bargaining sessions. The breakthrough came shortly after 2 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, in New York.
League officials and union leadership confirmed to The New York Times that an agreement was reached after more than a week of near-constant meetings, including eight consecutive days of negotiations. While the deal still needs to be formalized and approved by both players and the league’s board of governors, early reactions from those involved suggest a major shift is on the horizon.
WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike described the moment as “historical for women’s sports,” adding that the agreement reflects progress not just for future players, but for those currently in the league.
Details are still emerging, but the framework introduces revenue-based compensation for players and raises average salaries to more than $500,000. The agreement is also expected to expand benefits tied to family planning and parental leave, signaling broader changes beyond just pay. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert confirmed that despite earlier concerns, training camp and the regular season remain on schedule, with opening night set for May 8.
The deal followed a lengthy negotiation process that at times appeared to stall. Players had publicly pushed for higher compensation, rallying around the phrase “pay us what you owe us,” while the league emphasized sustainability and long-term growth.
“This deal is going to be transformational,” said Breanna Stewart, noting that the agreement is designed to create a system where players are properly valued both on and off the court.
Earlier in the process, both sides struggled to align on revenue-sharing models and salary structures. The league had proposed a significant increase to the salary cap and top-tier contracts, while the union sought a percentage of overall revenue calculated before expenses.
Disagreements over financial transparency and player benefits, including housing provisions, also slowed progress.
The previous CBA expired on October 31, 2025, and multiple extensions failed to produce a resolution, leading to concerns about potential delays to the 2026 season.
Negotiations intensified in recent weeks, with marathon sessions stretching late into the night before the final push that produced this verbal agreement.
