By Mazvita Maraire Posted on

WNBA Ownership and Player Union reach tentative landmark CBA agreement

After an intense full-court press, the WNBA and the WNBA players’ union reached a historic agreement that ensured a 2026 season and harmony between the two sides for years to come.  With both sides agreeing in principle, the next step will be putting pen to paper.

The landmark collective agreement between the Owners and the Players will see each team’s salary cap rise to $ 7 million, a massive jump from the previous $ 1.5 million.   Players’ salaries will range from a minimum of $300,000 to a maximum of $ 600,000. One of the sticking points in the negotiations was the revenue-sharing percentage between the ownership group and the players. The sweet spot for both sides was 20%.

“We’ve always believed that as this league grows, the players who power it must grow with it, and we’re proud to see that belief shared,” said WNBPA President and 10-Time All-Star Nneka Ogwumike. “We love this game enough to push for what it can become, not just for ourselves, but for those who built this league and those who will carry it forward. This agreement reflects that shared commitment, with players owning their value and future alongside a league growing stronger because of it.”

ROOKIE CONTRACT SCALE ESTABLISHED

An important part of the agreement is the establishment of a rookie scale that increases salaries for the top rookie draft picks. The top rookie in the 2026 draft is projected to earn  $500,000. All existing rookie contracts will be adjusted upward, enabling players to earn pay increases at every stage of their careers.

PLAYER EXPERIENCE ADDRESSED

 Player experience was. The deal includes significant investments in the overall player experience, including enhanced standards for team facilities, expanded team staffing requirements, fully codified league-wide charter air travel, first-class travel accommodations, and significantly increased performance bonuses for individual award winners and playoff and Finals participants.

It also includes substantial enhancements for retirees and retirement planning, with expanded team contributions to player 401(k) accounts, enhanced benefits for players with children or who are family planning, and recognition payments for WNBA veterans and retired players based on years of service.

INCREASED ROSTER SIZES

The deal also includes an increased minimum roster size of 12 players plus two more roster spots for developmental players, and salary cap exceptions for injured or pregnant players. Fans will also experience more WNBA basketball, with up to 50 games in 2027 and 2028, and up to 52 games in 2029 through 2032.

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