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WNBA Grants Pregnant Players Trade Veto, Full Salary

5/9/2026

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Summary

WNBA Safeguards Pregnant

The WNBA’s new agreement lets pregnant players veto trades and keep full salaries.
The “Hamby Clause,” named for Dearica Hamby after her 2024 lawsuit and a May 2025 dismissal, extends benefits to players with under eight years of service and to their partners.
It also requires every team to provide family and nursing rooms.
A salary-cap exception lets pregnant players keep full pay without affecting the team’s cap.

Summary

WNBA Secures Deal

The 11-year media deal lifts WNBA revenue to $281 million, over four times the prior $60 million.
This season will air 216 games on ESPN, NBC, USA Network and other partners.
Minimum salary rises to $270,000 from $66,790 while the EPIC rule allows fourth-year players to renegotiate contracts up to 20 % of the cap.
Expansion will add Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029) and Philadelphia (2030) after Toronto and Portland debut in 2026.

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WNBA Safeguards Pregnant

The WNBA’s new agreement lets pregnant players veto trades and keep full salaries.
The “Hamby Clause,” named for Dearica Hamby after her 2024 lawsuit and a May 2025 dismissal, extends benefits to players with under eight years of service and to their partners.
It also requires every team to provide family and nursing rooms.
A salary-cap exception lets pregnant players keep full pay without affecting the team’s cap.

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