Story perspectives

WNBA Ratifies New CBA: Salaries and Games Increased

3/25/2026

Summary

WNBA Ratifies Agreement

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) ratified a new collective bargaining agreement on March 24, 2026, effective through 2032.
The season begins May 8, 2026, with 50 games in 2027 and 52 games by 2029.
The salary cap rises to $7 million.
A $1.4 million supermax is created.
Average salaries rise to $583,000, with minimums ranging from $270,000 to $300,000 based on service time.

Summary

Plum and Stewart Advocate

Kelsey Plum and Breanna Stewart sent a letter to executive director Terri Jackson expressing concerns about how CBA negotiations are handled.
They cited a lack of player involvement and called for greater transparency on revenue sharing and housing issues to foster a united front.
Negotiations lasted over eight days, involved intense discussions, and yielded a commitment to avoid a strike to protect the league’s finances.

History

Historical Context

Title IX, enacted in 1972, mandated gender equality in education and sports, paving the way for advancements in women's athletics, including the establishment of the WNBA in 1997. The league's recent collective bargaining agreement, featuring a salary cap of $7 million and average salaries of $583,000, reflects ongoing efforts for equitable treatment, driven by players like Kelsey Plum and Breanna Stewart advocating for transparency and empowerment.

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WNBA Ratifies Agreement

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) ratified a new collective bargaining agreement on March 24, 2026, effective through 2032.
The season begins May 8, 2026, with 50 games in 2027 and 52 games by 2029.
The salary cap rises to $7 million.
A $1.4 million supermax is created.
Average salaries rise to $583,000, with minimums ranging from $270,000 to $300,000 based on service time.

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