WNBA and Players' Union Reach Historic CBA Agreement

New deal expected to quadruple player salaries and drive exponential growth in the league

Mar. 18, 2026 at 9:06am

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The WNBA and its players' union have reached a verbal agreement on a transformational new collective bargaining agreement after intense negotiations over the past eight days. The deal is expected to greatly increase player salaries, with a good chance for million dollar players - a first for the league entering its 30th season. The agreement also includes improvements to facilities, staffing and support for players.

Why it matters

This new CBA represents a major milestone for the WNBA and women's professional sports. The significant increase in player compensation and revenue sharing demonstrates the league's commitment to valuing its players and driving the continued growth and popularity of the WNBA.

The details

The new CBA will increase the average player salary to over $500,000, more than quadrupling the previous levels. It also includes provisions for revenue sharing, improved facilities and support staff. The deal came after over 100 hours of intense in-person negotiations between the league and the players' union over the past eight days.

  • The new CBA was reached in the early hours of Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
  • The previous CBA was set to expire five months ago, leading the players to opt out of the deal in search of better terms.
  • The 30th WNBA season is set to tip off in May 2026.

The players

Cathy Engelbert

WNBA Commissioner who helped lead the negotiations for the league.

Nneka Ogwumike

President of the WNBA Players' Union who was instrumental in securing the new agreement.

Alysha Clark

Member of the WNBA Players' Union executive committee who cited the need for the players to get more value back from the league.

Brianna Turner

Member of the WNBA Players' Union executive committee who hopes this deal will inspire young girls and women.

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What they’re saying

“For the first time, player salaries are tied to a truly meaningful share of league revenue, driving exponential growth in the salary cap, increasing average compensation beyond half a million dollars and raising the standard across facilities, staffing and support.”

— Nneka Ogwumike, WNBA Players' Union President (Yahoo Sports)

“We opted out because what we were giving to this league and what we were getting back didn't match. You could feel the growth everywhere, but it wasn't showing up for the players the way it should. So we stayed with it until it did.”

— Alysha Clark, WNBA Players' Union Executive Committee Member (Yahoo Sports)

“I hope young girls and women see this and feel it, to know their voice matters, their value matters, and they don't have to settle for less than that. Now, we get back to the game. Back to competing, back to that feeling, and back to being out there with our fans.”

— Brianna Turner, WNBA Players' Union Executive Committee Member (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The league now has to finalize the formal term sheet over the next few days, which will then need to be voted on by the players and the league's Board of Governors. After that, the league will need to sprint to prepare for the 30th season tipping off in May, including an expansion draft for new teams in Toronto and Portland.

The takeaway

This historic CBA agreement represents a major milestone for the WNBA and women's professional sports. By significantly increasing player compensation and revenue sharing, the league has demonstrated its commitment to valuing its players and driving the continued growth and popularity of the WNBA. This deal sets the stage for an exciting 30th season and a bright future for the league.