Full Breakdown
WNBA and Players' Association Finalize Historic CBA with Revenue Sharing and Salary Cap Reforms
5/28/2026, 9:34:23 PM
New Collective Bargaining Agreement Details
The WNBA and the WNBPA reached a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) effective through Jan 15 2033, setting a $7 million salary cap for 2026 equal to 20 percent of prior-year Shared Basketball Revenue. The cap may change by no more than ±10 percent annually (±13 percent for 2027); excess revenue will be shared proportionally with players.
Free-agency negotiations start Feb 4, with qualifying offers Jan 30–Feb 3, and signings may begin Feb 16, 2027—two weeks later than before. A $100,000 veteran-recognition payment goes to retired MVPs before 2026 and to players with >=12 years of service.
Development contracts pay $750 per regular-season week plus a games bonus; they apply to players with <4 years of service (or <6 years if they logged <=160 minutes last season) and cap appearances at 12 games or 25 percent of the season, whichever is greater.
First-round rookie salaries for 2026 range $500,000–$289,133 and will adjust in 2027 with cap changes; second- and third-round picks rise 4 percent. Minimum salaries start $270,000–$300,000 in 2026 and are projected to reach $380,000 by 2032, with a clause for adjustments if the cap grows.
Background and Negotiation Timeline
The prior CBA expired on Oct 31 2025; after months of negotiations, a verbal agreement was reached on Mar 18 2026 and the written CBA took effect on Mar 19 2026, running through Jan 15 2033 with an opt-out option by Jan 15 2031.
Key Financial Provisions
The agreement sets a $7 million salary cap for 2026, equal to 20 percent of prior-year Shared Basketball Revenue, and limits cap changes to ±10 percent annually (±13 percent for 2027). It provides a $100,000 veteran payment for retired MVPs and players with >=12 years of service, and development contracts that pay $750 per regular-season week plus a games bonus. Rookie salaries range $500,000–$289,133 for first-round picks and rise 4 percent for later rounds; minimum salaries start $270,000–$300,000 in 2026 and are projected to reach $380,000 by 2032, with a clause for adjustments if the cap grows.
Official Statements
The WNBA and the WNBPA said the agreement establishes a revenue-sharing model and a fixed salary cap, and allows periodic adjustments to minimum salaries and rookie contracts as league revenue changes.
Impact of the Agreement
The CBA creates a revenue-sharing system and clear compensation rules, linking salary growth to league finances. It fixes the cap and outlines adjustment limits.
What’s Next
The league and the players’ association will monitor revenue to assess minimum-salary adjustments. Free-agency talks start Feb 4, 2027, with signings from Feb 16. Either side may opt out by Jan 15 2031, triggering a new bargaining cycle for 2032-33.
