WNBA, players come to agreement on new CBA
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The WNBA and the players’ union have reached an agreement in principle on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), keeping the league on track to start on May 8.
Lawyers on both sides will continue to explain the details of the new CBA. A term sheet is expected to be drafted within the next day or two and will then go to the players’ union for certification and subsequent approval by the league’s Board of Directors.
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball against Connecticut Sun guard Leila Lacan (47) during the second quarter at TD Garden on July 15, 2025. (David Butler II/Imagn Images)
“I just want to say that together we have agreed on the key elements of a new collective bargaining agreement. We still need to draft a formal term sheet, but the progress made in these discussions marks a transformative step forward for the players and the league,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “This underscores our shared commitment to the continued growth of the game. As such, we will share additional details as they become available.”
The deal is expected to reflect rapid growth over the last two seasons. The league’s popularity exploded in 2024 with the emergence of Caitlin Clark and several other members of the rookie class.
Player salaries are also expected to quadruple compared to last season.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks at a press conference before the start of the first of the 2025 WNBA Finals between the Phoenix Mercury and the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob Ultra Arena on October 3, 2025. (Stephen R. Sylvanie/Imagn Images)
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“For the first time, player salaries were tied to a truly meaningful share of league revenue, leading to a rapid increase in the salary cap, increasing the average salary to over half a million dollars and raising the standard across facilities, staffing and support,” said union president Nneka Ogwumike. he said.
The two sides worked hard to reach an agreement this week, sometimes bargaining until the early hours of the morning. They reached an agreement around 2:20 ET on Wednesday.
“The deal will be transformational,” said Breanna Stewart, union vice president. “He will build and help create a system where everyone gets exactly what they deserve and more, on and off the field.”
Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) celebrates after game four of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 10, 2025. (Joe Camporeale/Imagn Images)
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The league will now make a rapid start to the season. The team will hold two expansion drafts this season, with Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire joining the league. Free agency will begin shortly with training camp expected to take place six days after the draft.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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