WNBA Salary Cap Rises, Unlocking New Max Deals and Contracts

Free agency is underway as the league's new CBA brings higher pay scales and supermax eligibility for top stars.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:18am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a WNBA basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into abstract shapes and planes of vivid colors.The WNBA's new CBA unlocks higher salaries and contract flexibility, empowering the league's top talent to be properly compensated.Phoenix Today

The WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement has significantly increased the league's salary cap, allowing for higher maximum contracts and raises across the board for players. With free agency now open, over 100 players will sign new deals, while those still under contract will see their salaries increase. The supermax contract has risen to $1.4 million, up from just $250,000 last season, and a new "EPIC" provision allows top players to renegotiate and extend their rookie deals at the max or supermax level.

Why it matters

The WNBA's new CBA represents a major step forward in compensating the league's top talent. By dramatically increasing the salary cap and max contract values, the WNBA is making strides towards closing the pay gap with the NBA and providing more financial security for its players. This should help the league retain and attract elite talent, improving the overall quality of play.

The details

The WNBA salary cap has risen to $7 million in 2026, up nearly 5x from 2025. The supermax contract is now $1.4 million, while the max contract for non-supermax eligible players is $1.19 million. The league has also introduced the "EPIC" provision, which allows top players to renegotiate and extend their rookie deals at the max or supermax level if they've made an All-WNBA team or won MVP. Several stars, including Kelsey Mitchell, Napheesa Collier, Sabrina Ionescu, and Kelsey Plum, have already been designated as "core" players, triggering a one-year supermax deal. The average WNBA salary for 2026 will be $583,000, with minimums ranging from $270,000 to $300,000 based on years of service.

  • The new WNBA CBA goes into effect for the 2026 season.
  • Free agency opened on April 11, 2026, allowing over 100 players to sign new contracts.

The players

A'ja Wilson

Center for the Las Vegas Aces who won the 2025 WNBA Finals MVP award.

Kelsey Mitchell

Guard for the Indiana Fever who has been designated as a "core" player under the new CBA.

Napheesa Collier

Forward for the Minnesota Lynx who has been designated as a "core" player under the new CBA.

Sabrina Ionescu

Guard for the New York Liberty who has been designated as a "core" player under the new CBA.

Kelsey Plum

Guard for the Las Vegas Aces who has been designated as a "core" player under the new CBA.

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What’s next

With free agency now open, players will rapidly sign new contracts under the WNBA's new pay scale. The league will continue to monitor the impact of the CBA and explore ways to further grow the game and compensation for its athletes.

The takeaway

The WNBA's new CBA represents a major milestone in the league's efforts to provide its players with more equitable compensation. By dramatically increasing the salary cap and max contract values, the WNBA is taking significant steps towards closing the pay gap with the NBA and ensuring its top talent is properly rewarded.