WNBA and players’ union sign historic new billion-dollar agreement
The WNBA and its players’ union officially signed a tentative collective bargaining agreement in New York on Friday, introducing a historic revenue-sharing model worth over $1bn.
The agreement was verbally reached on Wednesday following eight days and more than 100 hours of intense negotiations in Manhattan.
Both the league’s Board of Governors and the general player body must now ratify the terms over the coming weeks to formalise the pact.
In an official press release, the league described the settlement as a landmark milestone for the women’s game.
One of the most transformational labor agreements ever reached in major professional sports.
Groundbreaking financial restructuring
A pioneering revenue-sharing framework forms the centrepiece of this settlement, marking a first for women’s professional sports.
Franchise salary caps will immediately rise to $7m for the 2026 campaign, with projections indicating growth beyond $10m by the end of the term.
Individual earnings are set for an unprecedented surge, as the maximum salary jumps to $1.4m next year and scales towards $2.4m by 2032.
The top overall draft pick in 2026 will now command a starting wage of $500,000, while average player compensation is expected to surpass the $1m threshold within six years.
Expanded schedules and roster flexibility
North America’s premier women’s basketball competition will also see an expanded fixture list under the newly agreed terms.
The regular season will remain at 44 matches for 2026 before increasing to 50 games over the subsequent two years and capping at 52 from 2029.
Teams will be strictly mandated to carry 12 active squad members, addressing long-standing concerns regarding roster limitations.
Franchises will also be granted two supplementary developmental spots that operate entirely outside of the strict salary cap restrictions.
Enhanced welfare and working conditions
Beyond basic remuneration, the sweeping changes secure crucial protections and facility upgrades for all athletes.
- Codified charter air travel and expanded first-class accommodations across all official events.
- Explicit trade consent rights for pregnant players alongside specific salary-cap exceptions for injuries.
- Stricter mandates for medical resources, ensuring access to dedicated physicians, strength coaches, and nutritionists.
- A one-time recognition payment ranging from $30,000 to $100,000 to reward veterans and retired competitors.