WNBA Players 'Very Excited' for New CBA Ahead of 2026 Season

Paige Bueckers and Sabrina Ionescu look forward to expanded revenue sharing and salary increases in the new deal.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:35pm

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WNBA stars Paige Bueckers and Sabrina Ionescu expressed excitement over the new WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement that will allow the 2026 season to move forward. The players are pleased with the revenue sharing and salary increases secured in the new deal, which they say will benefit both current and future generations of WNBA talent.

Why it matters

The new WNBA CBA represents a major milestone for the league, addressing long-standing player demands around compensation and benefits. With the uncertainty of the previous offseason resolved, the WNBA can now focus on growing the game and providing its athletes the resources they deserve.

The details

After weeks of uncertainty, WNBA players like Bueckers and Ionescu are relieved to have a new CBA in place ahead of the 2026 season. The deal includes increased revenue sharing and salary improvements, which the players say will help expand the game and ensure fair compensation. Ionescu expects 'some really big waves' in free agency due to the quick turnaround, but is excited to return to the New York Liberty alongside Breanna Stewart.

  • The WNBA's 30th season will tip off on May 8, 2026.
  • The expansion draft will be held on April 3, 2026, followed by free agency and the WNBA draft.

The players

Paige Bueckers

A standout player for the U.S. women's national team who recently competed at the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying tournament.

Sabrina Ionescu

The star guard for the New York Liberty who plans to return to the team for the 2026 season.

Breanna Stewart

The Liberty forward who has also announced she will return to the team for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“From the way that the game is expanded, we want our earnings to expand as well. So we're really happy and excited with the way things turned out and we're really, really glad that we stood on.”

— Paige Bueckers, WNBA Player

“I mean we're in a really good spot because we have our core coming back and I feel like that's something that we can kind of hang our hats on.”

— Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty Guard

“Very thankful from everyone that helped at all angles from the NBA side, (commissioner) Adam Silver to (WNBA commissioner) Cathy (Englebert) and her team to our side at the (WNBPA) players. It really took a village and everyone collectively working towards a common goal, which is to have a season and to give the players what they deserve.”

— Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty Guard

What’s next

The WNBA expansion draft will be held on April 3, 2026, followed by free agency and the league's annual draft, setting the stage for the 2026 season to tip off on May 8.

The takeaway

The new WNBA CBA represents a major victory for the league's players, who fought for and secured improved compensation and benefits. This deal will help the WNBA continue to grow the game and provide its athletes the resources they deserve, setting the stage for an exciting 2026 season and beyond.