The WNBA and the Women's National Basketball Players Association have reached a deal in principle on a new collective bargaining agreement, allowing preparations to continue for a league tipoff on May 8 [1][2].
Attorneys for both sides will finalize a term sheet in the coming days, after which the union will vote on ratification and the WNBA Board of Governors will give final approval [1].
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stated: "We have aligned on key elements of a new collective bargaining agreement together. We still need to finalize a formal term sheet, but the progress made in these discussions marks a transformative step forward for players and the league. It underscores a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game. We'll share additional details as they become available" [1][3].
The agreement follows the players' opt-out from the prior CBA in November 2024 and comes amid the league's popularity surge, highlighted by the 2024 rookie class including Caitlin Clark [3][4].
Clark, a U.S. guard for the Indiana Fever and No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, averaged 19.2 points and a league-leading 8.4 assists per game in her rookie season [4][5].
WNBA union President Nneka Ogwumike, a forward for the Seattle Storm, said player salaries will be tied to league revenue for the first time, with average compensation projected to exceed $500,000 [1][3].
Union Vice President Breanna Stewart, a forward for the New York Liberty and two-time league MVP, called the deal "transformational," aiding on-court and off-court support [1].
The resolution clears the path for expansion drafts ahead of new franchises joining in Toronto and Portland in 2026, after the Golden State Valkyries enter the league in 2025 [3][4].
The 2025 season, featuring 44 games per team, is scheduled to start on May 16 [3].
Sources
- Fox News Digital
WNBA and players union reach deal in principle on new CBA
Undated
https://www.foxnews.com/sports - Associated Press
WNBA basketball hub
Accessed January 2025
https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball - WNBA.com
Official news and announcements
Accessed January 2025
https://www.wnba.com - ESPN
WNBA news and expansion updates
Accessed January 2025
https://www.espn.com/wnba/ - Basketball-Reference.com
Caitlin Clark 2024 WNBA stats
2024 season
https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/players/c/clarkca01w.html
