The WNBA has reached a groundbreaking agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that would feature the league’s first $1 million player. This deal aims to significantly boost player salaries, with potential earnings for top stars increasing to a supermax of $1.4 million in the first year. The salary cap for the 2026 season is anticipated to be $7 million, resulting in an average salary exceeding $585,000, and a minimum salary of around $300,000.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and union president Nneka Ogwumike emphasized that the deal ties player salaries to league revenue for the first time, reflecting the league’s rapid growth in popularity and investment. The negotiations involved over 100 hours of intense discussions, reaching an agreement in the early hours after a long session.
This agreement is seen as a historic milestone for women’s sports, with hopes of inspiring young girls and women to recognize their worth. As the league prepares for the upcoming season starting on May 8, it will also focus on expansion drafts for new teams and contract negotiations with free agents.
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