WNBA players approve new collective bargaining agreement in near-unanimous vote
WNBA players have overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement that introduces a groundbreaking revenue-sharing model to the league.
The decision was confirmed on Monday by Women’s National Basketball Players Association president Nneka Ogwumike.
A remarkable 90% of the membership participated in the ballot, resulting in a near-unanimous approval of the proposed terms.
The landmark deal must now be officially rubber-stamped by the competition’s governing body before taking full effect.
Revenue sharing and rising salary caps
A tentative term sheet was initially agreed upon between the players’ union and executives last Friday.
At the heart of the approved framework is an innovative revenue-sharing structure, which represents a historic first in major women’s professional sports.
Under this progressive system, the team salary cap will be set at $7m for the 2026 campaign.
This financial ceiling will fluctuate annually based on both overall and franchise-specific revenue growth.
Projections suggest the cap could surpass $10m by the conclusion of the seven-year contract.
Transformational changes to player welfare
Alongside structural financial overhauls, the new agreement establishes several major enhancements to daily working conditions.
- Significant increases to both maximum and minimum base salaries.
- Continued, guaranteed housing support for all participating athletes.
- An expanded regular season calendar taking effect from 2027 onwards.
League officials have publicly praised the collaborative nature of the swift negotiations.
“This is one of the most transformational labor agreements ever reached in major professional sports.”
Resolution of the collective bargaining process ensures the 2026 regular season will commence exactly as scheduled on 8 May.