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WNBA, Players Union Agree to Transformative New CBA
Deal includes major salary increases, revenue sharing, and improved player benefits
Mar. 22, 2026 at 7:20pm
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After over a year of negotiations, the WNBA and its players union have agreed to a new 7-year collective bargaining agreement that dramatically reshapes player pay, revenue sharing, and league structure. The deal includes a significant increase in the salary cap, maximum and average salaries, and minimum salaries. It also introduces the first comprehensive revenue-sharing model in women's professional sports history, with players receiving roughly 20% of league revenue. The agreement also includes improvements to player housing, travel, facilities, benefits, and bonuses.
Why it matters
This new CBA represents a major financial and structural shift for the WNBA, reflecting the league's significant growth in recent years in areas like attendance, TV ratings, and merchandise sales. The deal aims to make the WNBA more competitive with other professional sports leagues in terms of player compensation and benefits, which is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. The revenue-sharing component also gives players a direct stake in the league's continued success and expansion.
The details
Under the new 7-year agreement, the WNBA salary cap will jump to $7 million (up from $1.5 million), with maximum salaries starting at $1.4 million and projected to exceed $2.4 million by the end of the deal. Average salaries will rise to $583,000 and are expected to top $1 million. Minimum salaries will range from $270,000 to $300,000. The deal also introduces a revenue-sharing model that will give players roughly 20% of league revenue. Additionally, the agreement includes improvements to player housing, travel, facilities, benefits, and bonuses.
- The WNBA and its players union signed the term sheet for the new CBA on Friday, March 22, 2026.
- The new 7-year CBA will take effect starting with the 2026 WNBA season.
The players
Cathy Engelbert
WNBA Commissioner who oversaw the CBA negotiations.
Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA)
The labor union representing WNBA players that negotiated the new CBA.
Caitlin Clark
WNBA player who was previously making $78,000 under the old rookie contract structure, which will be adjusted upward under the new CBA.
Paige Bueckers
WNBA player who, like Caitlin Clark, will benefit from the new CBA's increases to rookie contract values.
What they’re saying
“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 new CBA term sheet now heads to a formal ratification vote by the WNBA and its players union.
The takeaway
This landmark CBA represents a major financial and structural shift for the WNBA, reflecting the league's significant growth in recent years. The deal aims to make the WNBA more competitive with other pro sports in terms of player compensation and benefits, which is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. The revenue-sharing component also gives players a direct stake in the league's continued success and expansion.
