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WNBA Signs New CBA, Expands, Raises Salary Cap

5/8/2026

26 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

WNBA Ratifies CBA

The WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association ratified a new collective bargaining agreement.
An expansion draft on April 6 lets Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire each select 12 unprotected players, granting the second-picking team the No. 6 college-draft slot.
Free agency begins April 7-8 for more than 100 free agents.
The salary cap rises to $7 million, the super-max to $1.4 million, and the average salary to $600,000.

Summary

WNBA Roster Overhaul

The Minnesota Lynx lost Alanna Smith, Bridget Carleton and Natisha Hiedeman and added Olivia Miles with No. 2 pick.
The New York Liberty locked up Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones and signed Satou Sabally to a deal.
The Toronto Tempo hired Sandy Brondello and gave Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes million-dollar contracts, creating league’s first backcourt.
Dallas Wings used No. 1 pick on Azzi Fudd and signed Alanna Smith.

History

Historical Context

After the WNBPA ratified the first women’s-sports CBA on 30 April 1999, raising the minimum salary to $30,000, the league signed a 2020 agreement that increased player compensation by more than 50% and added maternity benefits. Building on that framework, the 2024 deal expands the league with Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, continuing the union’s role in stabilizing professional women’s basketball.

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WNBA Ratifies CBA

The WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association ratified a new collective bargaining agreement.
An expansion draft on April 6 lets Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire each select 12 unprotected players, granting the second-picking team the No. 6 college-draft slot.
Free agency begins April 7-8 for more than 100 free agents.
The salary cap rises to $7 million, the super-max to $1.4 million, and the average salary to $600,000.

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