WNBA, players close in on landmark labor deal ahead of 30th season

After more than a year of tense negotiations, the WNBA and its players’ union have reached a verbal agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement, marking a major step forward for the league just weeks before the 2026 season begins.

The agreement, finalized in the early hours of Wednesday following marathon bargaining sessions in New York, still needs to be formalized and approved by both the players and the league’s board of governors. Even so, it represents a breakthrough after months of stalled talks and growing concern about a potential disruption to the season.

While full terms have not yet been officially released, key financial details signal a dramatic shift. The salary cap is expected to jump to $7 million—up significantly from $1.5 million—while top-tier “supermax” salaries could exceed $1 million, a massive increase from previous levels near $250,000. Average player pay is projected to rise beyond $500,000, with minimum salaries climbing above $300,000.

A central feature of the deal is a new revenue-sharing structure, with players receiving close to 20% of league revenue over the life of the agreement. For the first time, compensation will be directly tied to the league’s financial success, reflecting its recent surge in popularity, investment, and viewership.

WNBPA president and Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike told Front Office Sports: “For the first time, player salaries are tied to a truly meaningful share of league revenue, driving exponential growth in the salary cap, increasing average compensation beyond half a million dollars, and raising the professional standard across facilities, staffing, and support. We’re just really grateful to be able to come to a deal. We’re proud of ourselves. And quite frankly, we always told you all we were going to stand on business, and that’s what this looks like. It strengthens housing and retirement, and expands resources for family planning and parental leave. It redefines what it means to be a professional in this league.”

Players and league officials described the agreement as transformative, not only for current athletes but for future generations entering the sport. Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty star and WNBPA vice president, said: “This deal is going to be transformational. It’s going to build and help create a system where everybody is getting exactly what they deserve and more, from on the court and off the court aspects. Just excited that we can tell our fans that we’re going to be back.”

WNBA player and union vice-president Alysha Clark added: “What we just accomplished is going to change the lives of so many players, and speaking from experience, players like me are going to be the ones that I think feel it the most, and that’s what I think we’re all super proud of, because that’s what we set out from the beginning, was making sure every player felt the change in the CBA, and that’s exactly what has happened.”

League commissioner Cathy Engelbert emphasized the broader impact of the agreement and the shared vision moving forward: “The progress made in these discussions marks a transformative step forward for players and the league, and it’s underscoring a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game.”

The new deal ensures that the WNBA’s milestone 30th season will proceed as scheduled. Training camp is set to open April 19, the draft will take place April 13, and the regular season tips off May 8. Key offseason events, including expansion activities and free agency, are expected to move forward once the agreement is officially ratified.

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