The WNBA and its players' union have reached a verbal agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement, ending 17 months of negotiations and averting fears of a strike.
The agreement, which would be the sixth in the league's history, has been hailed by both sides as a major step forward for player empowerment and the league's growth. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the two sides have "aligned on key elements", though a formal term sheet still needs to be finalised.
Both parties have signed a term sheet and now await ratification by players and approval from the league's Board of Governors. League operations, including expansion drafts for new teams in Toronto and Portland, free agency and the 2026 draft, cannot begin until the paperwork is completed, a process that could take weeks.
Despite the administrative delays, the WNBA expects its 30th season to tip off on schedule on 8 May.
