The WNBA has excited fans and players alike by reaching a verbal agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). This deal marks a significant shift in how player salaries are structured. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the new CBA will feature higher maximum salaries of over $1 million, minimum salaries of more than $300,000, and a starting team salary cap of $7.5 million.
These numbers are a big jump compared to the previous agreement, which had a 2026 salary cap of just $1.55 million. As WNBA cap expert Richard Cohen noted, the new minimum salary is already higher than what last season’s top player, Kelsey Mitchell, earned.
The push for this new agreement began after players opted out of the 2020 CBA at the end of the 2024 season. They wanted a deal that aligned with the league’s growing revenue. Nneka Ogwumike, the president of the players’ union, highlighted that for the first time, player salaries will be directly linked to league revenue, making it a “transformational” agreement.
The negotiations were intense, spanning over 100 hours in just a week. Much of the discussion centered around how to split the league’s revenue. While players initially sought a cut of gross revenue, the league’s offer leaned towards net revenue. Recent reports suggest that players may receive an average of nearly 20% of gross revenue under this new deal.
This CBA is unique because it ties salaries to league revenue, a first in WNBA history. Under the previous deal, players had limited access to revenue sharing, and their pay increases were minimal compared to the league’s revenue growth.
As the dust settles from these negotiations, the WNBA is gearing up for an exciting season ahead. The league office is preparing a compressed offseason schedule, which includes expansion drafts, free agency, and college drafts. Although there were concerns about meeting deadlines, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert confirmed that the season will commence on schedule on May 8.
In recent times, there’s been a growing discourse around pay equity in sports. According to a survey by the Women’s Sports Foundation, 94% of girls and women feel that women’s sports should receive equal pay. This agreement in the WNBA could serve as a benchmark for other leagues, showing that progress is possible.
The new CBA doesn’t just shift pay; it reflects changing attitudes toward female athletes in professional sports. This could motivate other sports organizations to reconsider how they compensate their players, pushing for equality across the board. With this new agreement, the WNBA may pave the way for similar advancements in other leagues.
For those wanting to dive deeper into the financial implications of this deal, check out ESPN’s coverage for expert takes and analysis.
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