The WNBA and its gamers’ union reached an settlement in precept on a transformational new collective bargaining settlement early Wednesday morning.
Specifics nonetheless have to be finalised within the coming weeks as legal professionals work on the brand new CBA. A time period sheet is predicted inside the subsequent couple of days, adopted by ratification from gamers and approval by the league’s Board of Governors.
“We now have aligned on key components of a brand new collective bargaining settlement. Whereas a proper time period sheet nonetheless must be finalised, this marks a transformative step ahead for gamers and the league,” commissioner Cathy Engelbert stated, including that additional particulars will likely be shared quickly.
The deal is predicted to considerably improve participant salaries, introducing million-dollar contracts for the primary time because the league enters its thirtieth season on schedule—doubtlessly elevating pay fourfold from final yr.
“For the primary time, salaries are tied to a significant share of league income, driving progress within the wage cap and pushing common compensation past half one million {dollars},” union president Nneka Ogwumike stated.
The settlement displays the league’s fast progress in attendance, viewership and funding.
“It’s going to be transformational,” union vp Breanna Stewart stated. “It is going to assist create a system the place everybody will get what they deserve on and off the courtroom.”
ALSO READ: NBA Roundup – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander nets 40 as Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder clinches playoff spot
The deal follows eight days of intense in-person negotiations totalling over 100 hours, with settlement reached round 2:20 a.m. Wednesday after greater than 10 hours of talks on Tuesday.
“That is historic for girls’s sports activities,” Ogwumike added. “We’re grateful to achieve a deal and happy with ourselves.”
League officers and union representatives addressed reporters at a New York lodge shortly earlier than 3 a.m.
The settlement comes 17 months after gamers opted out of the earlier deal and 5 months after its preliminary expiry, with talks typically contentious.
“We opted out as a result of what we had been giving and what we had been getting didn’t match,” govt committee member Alysha Clark stated.
Income sharing was the most important hurdle, together with housing and franchise tags.
“I hope younger women and girls see this and know their worth issues,” stated govt committee member Brianna Turner. “Now we get again to competing and being on the market with our followers.”
The league now has a brief window earlier than opening day on Could 8, with an growth draft for brand new groups in Toronto and Portland, free company involving over 80% of gamers, and coaching camps set to open on April 19, six days after the school draft.
Printed on Mar 18, 2026