WNBA and players’ union agree landmark collective bargaining deal
The WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association have agreed in principle on a transformational new collective bargaining agreement just 51 days before the start of the new season.
The breakthrough arrives following a prolonged and frequently contentious 17-month labour dispute.
It concludes a marathon week of negotiations to secure terms before the competition embarks on its 30th anniversary campaign.
Revenue sharing and million-dollar salaries
For the first time in the history of the sport, the newly structured salary system will be directly tied to overall revenue growth.
This monumental shift is expected to introduce the first $1m (£790,000) player salaries to North America’s premier women’s basketball league.
The updated financial framework reflects a period of unprecedented commercial expansion, characterised by surging television viewership and record-breaking match attendance.
“We have aligned on key elements of a new collective bargaining agreement together,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement.
Improved travel and professional standards
While comprehensive details remain unpublished, the arrangement is anticipated to formally codify chartered air travel for all competing franchises.
It will also significantly enhance broader welfare benefits and establish stricter workplace guidelines across the board.
The tentative pact remains subject to official ratification by the athletes, alongside necessary approvals from the relevant boards of governors.
This development marks the sixth such labour resolution since the tournament was established, succeeding the previous terms negotiated in 2020.
Squads are now scheduled to report for training camps on 19 April, with the regular schedule commencing on 8 May.
