Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

WNBA Negotiates Historic Million-Dollar Player Deal by March 10

2/26/2026

36 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The WNBA and its players' union are negotiating a new labor deal to create the league's first million-dollar player.
The proposed supermax would be about $1.13 million, representing 20% of a $5.65 million Year 1 salary cap.
The plan could complicate roster-building by raising average salaries to about $470,000 and minimum salaries above $200,000.
A deal must be reached by March 10 to avoid delaying the season.

History

Historical Context

Title IX, enacted in 1972, prohibited gender discrimination in education and sports, significantly advancing women's athletics. The proposed WNBA supermax salary of $1.13 million reflects ongoing efforts for equitable pay in women's sports, echoing broader labor struggles. As negotiations continue, achieving this deal by March 10 could set a vital precedent for future labor agreements across women's professional sports leagues.

1 of 2

Story summary

The WNBA and its players' union are negotiating a new labor deal to create the league's first million-dollar player.
The proposed supermax would be about $1.13 million, representing 20% of a $5.65 million Year 1 salary cap.
The plan could complicate roster-building by raising average salaries to about $470,000 and minimum salaries above $200,000.
A deal must be reached by March 10 to avoid delaying the season.

1 / 2