WNBA's New CBA Impacts Las Vegas Aces

The league's new collective bargaining agreement brings major changes for the Aces' offseason plans.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:19am

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The Las Vegas Aces are facing a wild offseason after the WNBA and its players' union agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement. The deal includes a significant increase in the salary cap and average player salaries, as well as a new revenue-sharing model. The Aces' top priority will be re-signing four-time MVP A'ja Wilson to the league's new supermax contract. The offseason timeline, including expansion drafts and free agency, is still being finalized, but the Aces' season opener and championship banner raising will not be delayed.

Why it matters

The new CBA represents a major shift in the WNBA's financial landscape, giving the Aces and other teams more flexibility to build competitive rosters. This is especially crucial for the Aces, who have built a championship-caliber team and need to retain their top talent like A'ja Wilson. The changes could also impact the team's offseason strategy and roster construction.

The details

The new CBA increases the salary cap from $1.5 million in 2025 to $7 million, allowing the Aces to offer higher salaries. The average player salary will rise from $120,000 to $600,000, and the minimum salary will exceed $300,000. The deal also includes a new revenue-sharing model, which triggered an $8 million payout to players in 2025. The Aces will need to navigate the expansion drafts for the new Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo teams, as well as free agency, before the season tips off on May 9.

  • The WNBA expansion drafts for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo teams are estimated to take place between April 1-6, 2026.
  • Free agency negotiations are expected to occur from April 9-11, 2026, followed by a signing window from April 12-18, 2026.
  • The Aces' season opener against the Phoenix Mercury is scheduled for May 9, 2026, which will be the team's ring night.
  • The Aces will raise their 2025 championship banner on May 23, 2026, against the Los Angeles Sparks.

The players

A'ja Wilson

The four-time WNBA MVP who has led the Aces to three titles in the past four years. Wilson is set to become a free agent and the Aces' top offseason priority is signing her to the league's new supermax contract.

Aaliyah Nye

The Aces' lone roster member from their 2025 championship team who did not refrain from signing past 2025 in anticipation of the new CBA.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.