Story perspectives

WNBA Players Secure Historic Salary Increase in New CBA

3/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

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) on March 18, 2026.
The deal ties salaries to league revenue for the first time.
The salary cap starts at $7 million, up from $1.5 million, and supermax is $1.4 million.
The 2026 season stays on schedule.
Training camps begin April 19, 2026.

History

Historical Context

The Women's Professional Sports Act of 1972 marked a pivotal moment for gender equality in athletics, mandating equal opportunities in federally funded educational programs. This legislation laid the groundwork for professional leagues like the WNBA, established in 1996, which now ties player salaries to revenue. The recent agreement reflects ongoing efforts to recognize women's contributions to sports, echoing the Act's original intent to promote equity.

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Story summary

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) on March 18, 2026.
The deal ties salaries to league revenue for the first time.
The salary cap starts at $7 million, up from $1.5 million, and supermax is $1.4 million.
The 2026 season stays on schedule.
Training camps begin April 19, 2026.

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