Story perspectives

WNBA CBA Boosts Salaries, Expands Teams by 2030

3/31/2026

Summary

Clark Celebrates CBA

Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) expressed excitement about the new WNBA CBA on NBC's Basketball Night in America.
She notes the CBA increases salaries and revenue sharing, setting a precedent for women's sports.
The CBA raises team salary cap to $7 million and average salary to about $600,000.
The league will expand to 18 teams by 2030, adding Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo in 2026.

Summary

WNBA Finalizes CBA

On March 18, 2026, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) reached a tentative CBA after 17 months.
The deal would be the sixth WNBA CBA, running 2026–2032, pending ratification by players and Board of Governors.
It includes a revenue-sharing model.
The salary cap rises to $7 million.
Average salaries are expected to reach $600,000, with expanded benefits and a 50-game season.

History

Historical Context

Title IX, enacted in 1972, mandated equal opportunities in education and athletics, significantly advancing women's sports. The WNBA's recent collective bargaining agreement, raising the salary cap to $7 million and average salaries to $600,000, reflects this progress. As the league prepares to expand to 18 teams by 2030, Caitlin Clark's enthusiasm underscores the ongoing evolution and growing recognition of women's professional basketball.

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Clark Celebrates CBA

Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) expressed excitement about the new WNBA CBA on NBC's Basketball Night in America.
She notes the CBA increases salaries and revenue sharing, setting a precedent for women's sports.
The CBA raises team salary cap to $7 million and average salary to about $600,000.
The league will expand to 18 teams by 2030, adding Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo in 2026.

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