Full Breakdown
WNBA and Players' Union Reach Transformational CBA Agreement
3/19/2026, 9:02:51 PM
Verbal Agreement Marks a New Era for the WNBA
In the early hours of March 18, 2026, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) reached a verbal agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) after 17 months of negotiations. This agreement is poised to significantly reshape the economic landscape of the league, marking a pivotal moment in women's professional sports.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the agreement, emphasizing that it represents a "transformative step forward for players and the league." The deal is expected to tie player salaries to a meaningful share of league revenue for the first time, with the salary cap set to start at $7 million, a substantial increase from the previous cap of $1.5 million. Average player salaries are projected to rise to around $600,000, with minimum salaries exceeding $300,000 and supermax contracts potentially reaching $1.4 million.
Key Elements of the New Agreement
The new CBA is characterized by several critical components aimed at enhancing player compensation and benefits:
- Revenue Sharing: Players will receive an average revenue share of nearly 20%, up from 9.3% under the previous agreement. This change is designed to ensure that players benefit from the league's growing popularity and financial success.
- Salary Increases: The agreement will allow for significant salary increases across the board, with some players expected to earn over $1 million annually.
- Improved Benefits: The CBA will also enhance various player benefits, including housing, parental leave, and retirement plans, addressing long-standing issues that have been points of contention in previous negotiations.
Union President Nneka Ogwumike highlighted the importance of this agreement for future generations of players, stating, "We’re just really grateful to be able to come to a deal. We’re proud of ourselves."
Background and Context
The agreement comes after a prolonged period of negotiations that began when players opted out of the previous CBA in October 2024. The negotiations were often contentious, with significant disagreements over revenue sharing and player benefits. The urgency to reach an agreement intensified as the start of the 2026 season approached, with training camps scheduled to begin on April 19 and the regular season set to tip off on May 8.
The league's recent growth, marked by record attendance and viewership, has underscored the need for a more equitable compensation structure for players. Alysha Clark, a member of the WNBPA executive committee, noted, "You could feel the growth everywhere, but it wasn't showing up for the players the way it should."
Official Statements and Responses
Cathy Engelbert expressed optimism about the future, stating, "It underscores a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game." Breanna Stewart, WNBPA vice president, echoed this sentiment, calling the deal "transformational" and emphasizing its potential to create a fairer system for all players.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the positive reception of the agreement, some players had previously expressed concerns about the negotiation process. Kelsey Plum and Breanna Stewart had voiced worries about the handling of negotiations and the potential for a strike, indicating that unity among players was tested during the process.
What's Next
Following the verbal agreement, a formal term sheet will be finalized and presented for ratification by the players and the WNBA Board of Governors. The league is now preparing for a busy offseason, which includes an expansion draft for new teams in Toronto and Portland, a free agency period, and the 2026 WNBA Draft scheduled for April 13.
As the WNBA approaches its 30th season, this new CBA is seen as a crucial step in ensuring the league's continued growth and success, setting a precedent for future negotiations in women's sports.
