WNBA and Players Union Reach Historic Collective Bargaining Agreement

New deal includes significant pay increases for players ahead of league's 30th season

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:19am

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The WNBA and Women's National Basketball Players Association have reached a verbal agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement that will significantly raise the salary cap and minimum player salaries. The deal comes just two months before the start of the league's milestone 30th season.

Why it matters

This new CBA represents a major step forward for the WNBA and its players, who have long advocated for better pay and working conditions. The increased salaries and benefits will help attract and retain top talent, further growing the popularity and visibility of the league.

The details

Under the new agreement, the WNBA salary cap will increase from $1.5 million to $7 million, and players will be eligible for supermax deals starting at $1.4 million. Additionally, every WNBA player will earn at least $300,000 per year, up from the previous minimum.

  • The WNBA's 30th season is scheduled to tip off in less than two months, in May 2026.
  • The verbal agreement between the WNBA and WNBPA was reached on Wednesday, March 20, 2026.

The players

Diana Taurasi

An 11-time WNBA All-Star and three-time WNBA champion, Taurasi is a veteran player who has been a vocal advocate for improving player salaries and working conditions.

Cathy Engelbert

The WNBA Commissioner, who described the new CBA as a "transformative step forward" for the league and its players.

Nneka Ogwumike

The Seattle Storm forward and WNBPA executive committee president, who participated in the prolonged bargaining sessions that led to the new CBA.

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What they’re saying

“The WNBA has gone through a long journey over the last 30 years. There's a lot of hard work, grit, perseverance and determination. This is just another milestone for women's sports. It's nice to see the WNBA in a better place than where you left it.”

— Diana Taurasi

“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

“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.”

— Nneka Ogwumike, WNBPA Executive Committee President

What’s next

The next step is for the new CBA to be ratified by the players and the league's board of governors.

The takeaway

This historic agreement represents a major victory for WNBA players, who have long fought for better pay and working conditions. The significant increases in salaries and benefits will help the league continue to grow and attract top talent, further elevating the profile of women's professional basketball.