WNBA and players' union reach verbal agreement on new collective bargaining deal

The WNBA and the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) verbally agreed to terms for a new collective bargaining agreement on Wednesday, concluding extended negotiations.[2]

The agreement precedes the league's 30th season, which begins in May 2026. The WNBA launched its inaugural season on June 21, 1997.[3][4]

Last season's salary cap stood at $1,533,300 per team, with supermax contracts at $241,984.[1]

ESPN reported the new deal raises the salary cap to $7 million per team, introduces supermax deals starting at $1.4 million in 2026 -- up from $249,244 in 2025 -- and sets a minimum salary of $300,000 for all players.[2]

Diana Taurasi, a three-time WNBA champion and 11-time All-Star who retired from the Phoenix Mercury in March 2025 after a 20-year career, welcomed the development. "The WNBA has gone through a long journey over the last 30 years," she told The Spun. "There’s a lot of hard work, grit, perseverance and determination. This is just another milestone for women’s sports."[2][5]

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert described the deal as transformative. "The progress made in these discussions marks a transformative step forward for players and the league," she told reporters early Wednesday, "and it’s underscoring a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game."[2]

Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike, WNBPA executive committee president, said: "We're just really grateful to be able to come to a deal. We're proud of ourselves."[2]

The agreement marks the sixth CBA in WNBA history; the prior deal was reached in 2020.[3] Details are being finalized, with ratification pending from players and the league's board of governors.[2]