The WNBA and its players' union have reached an agreement in principle on a new collective bargaining agreement, marking a transformative step for the league. The deal, announced early Wednesday morning after intense negotiations, is set to significantly boost player salaries, with top earners making more than $1m a year for the first time.
Under the proposed terms, the average annual player salary will rise to $600,000, up from $125,000 in 2025, while the minimum salary will increase to $300,000 from $66,079. The supermax salary will start at $1.4m, and each team's salary cap will be $7m, compared with $1.5m last season. These changes reflect the league's rapid growth in attendance, viewership, and investment over recent years.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the progress marks a shared commitment to the game's continued growth. Union president Nneka Ogwumike highlighted that player salaries will now be tied to a meaningful share of league revenue, driving exponential growth in the salary cap and raising standards across facilities and staffing.
The agreement came after eight days of in-person negotiations, totalling more than 100 hours. Key sticking points included revenue sharing, housing, and franchise tags. Union vice-president Breanna Stewart described the deal as transformational, ensuring players receive what they deserve both on and off the court.
The deal still requires finalisation of a term sheet, ratification by players, and approval by the league's Board of Governors. With training camps set to open on 19 April and the season starting on 8 May, the league faces a busy period ahead, including an expansion draft for new teams in Toronto and Portland.
