The WNBA and its players’ association announced a verbal agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that includes significant salary increases. Key points of the new CBA are a maximum salary of at least $1 million, a minimum salary of at least $300,000, and a starting team salary cap of $7.5 million, contrasting sharply with the previous cap of $1.55 million for 2026.
Players have sought a transformative contract to benefit from the league’s financial growth. Union president Nneka Ogwumike emphasized that for the first time, player salaries will be linked to a significant portion of league revenue, allowing for accelerated increases in the salary cap. Negotiations lasted over 100 hours, focusing on a revenue-sharing framework amid discussions on facilities, retirement benefits, and family planning.
While the exact revenue-sharing details are not finalized, players are expected to receive nearly 20% of total revenue, compared to the lower percentage the league initially proposed. This agreement marks the first time a league’s revenue will determine salary caps, deemed a “huge victory” by union vice president Kelsey Plum.
With March 10 set as a deadline to finalize contracts, the WNBA season is scheduled to begin on May 8, following the upcoming offseason activities, including expansion drafts and free agency.
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