WNBA, Players Reach Landmark Labor Deal Ahead of 30th Season

New agreement includes significant increases in salary cap, player compensation, and revenue sharing.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:50pm

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After more than a year of tense negotiations, the WNBA and its players' union have reached a verbal agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement, marking a major step forward for the league just weeks before the 2026 season begins. The deal includes a dramatic increase in the salary cap to $7 million, with top-tier 'supermax' salaries exceeding $1 million and average player pay projected to rise beyond $500,000.

Why it matters

The new labor agreement represents a transformative moment for the WNBA, strengthening the league's financial foundation and demonstrating a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game. The landmark deal is expected to have a significant impact on player salaries, benefits, and overall professional standards across the league.

The details

Key financial details of the new CBA include a jump in the salary cap to $7 million, up significantly from $1.5 million, while top-tier 'supermax' salaries could exceed $1 million, a massive increase from previous levels near $250,000. Average player pay is projected to rise beyond $500,000, with minimum salaries climbing above $300,000. The agreement also includes a new revenue-sharing structure, with players receiving close to 20% of league revenue over the life of the deal.

  • The agreement was finalized in the early hours of Wednesday following marathon bargaining sessions in New York.
  • Training camp is set to open April 19, the draft will take place April 13, and the regular season tips off May 8.

The players

Nneka Ogwumike

WNBPA president and Seattle Storm forward.

Breanna Stewart

New York Liberty star and WNBPA vice president.

Alysha Clark

WNBA player and union vice-president.

Cathy Engelbert

WNBA commissioner.

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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 professional standard across facilities, staffing, and support. We're just really grateful to be able to come to a deal. We're proud of ourselves. And quite frankly, we always told you all we were going to stand on business, and that's what this looks like. It strengthens housing and retirement, and expands resources for family planning and parental leave. It redefines what it means to be a professional in this league.”

— Nneka Ogwumike, WNBPA president and Seattle Storm forward

“This deal is going to be transformational. It's going to build and help create a system where everybody is getting exactly what they deserve and more, from on the court and off the court aspects. Just excited that we can tell our fans that we're going to be back.”

— Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty star and WNBPA vice president

“What we just accomplished is going to change the lives of so many players, and speaking from experience, players like me are going to be the ones that I think feel it the most, and that's what I think we're all super proud of, because that's what we set out from the beginning, was making sure every player felt the change in the CBA, and that's exactly what has happened.”

— Alysha Clark, WNBA player and union vice-president

“The progress made in these discussions marks a transformative step forward for players and the league, and it's underscoring a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game.”

— Cathy Engelbert, WNBA commissioner

What’s next

The agreement still needs to be formalized and approved by both the players and the league's board of governors. Key offseason events, including expansion activities and free agency, are expected to move forward once the agreement is officially ratified.

The takeaway

This landmark labor deal represents a transformative moment for the WNBA, significantly increasing player salaries, benefits, and revenue sharing, and demonstrating a shared commitment to the continued growth and professionalization of the league. The agreement is expected to have a profound impact on current and future generations of WNBA players.