NEW YORK — After a year of tough talks and late-night negotiations, the WNBA and its players’ union finally reached a verbal agreement on a new collective bargaining deal. This happened just past 2 a.m. ET one Wednesday morning, marking a significant change for the league and its players, as Breanna Stewart called it “transformational.”
While the agreement is not yet final, it sets some exciting new standards. Beginning in 2026, the salary cap will soar to $7 million, a stark increase from the current $1.5 million cap. The average player salary is expected to reach about $600,000, with a minimum salary of $300,000. The top players, marked by a “supermax” salary, will earn $1.4 million. Also noteworthy, players will receive 20% of gross league and team revenue, linking salaries directly to earnings for the first time.
Nneka Ogwumike, WNBPA president, highlighted that improvements will also include better family planning and parental leave benefits, showcasing an overall shift towards better support for athletes.
Despite ongoing fears that these negotiations might delay the season, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert assured everyone that training camp and the season will begin as scheduled on May 8. Teams now have a busy off-season ahead with drafts and free agency.
In a celebratory scene in Midtown Manhattan, league officials and union leaders toasted with champagne, reflecting on the hard-fought negotiations that brought them together. “This is historical for women’s sports,” Ogwumike said. She stressed that this deal benefits not just current players but sets a precedent for future generations.
The road to this agreement was long. Negotiations began after players opted out of the previous collective bargaining agreement in October 2024. The players pushed for a substantial share of revenue, initially seeking 40%, but eventually settled on a more reasonable figure after extensive discussions.
A survey conducted by the WNBA also revealed that fans are growing increasingly engaged, with viewership numbers rising by 35% in recent seasons. This growing popularity adds weight to the players’ demands for fair compensation.
In the end, both sides came to an agreement that signifies a promising future for the WNBA. As Ogwumike put it, “I’m really excited about players coming into this league for the first time, and not having a sense of lack.”
Stewart added, “This deal is going to be transformational… everybody is getting exactly what they deserve.”
For further information, you can read more about WNBA player compensation trends on The Wall Street Journal or check fan reactions on social media platforms where hashtags like #PayUsWhatYouOweUs continue to trend.
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