The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and its players’ union have reached a landmark verbal agreement on a new collective bargaining deal, marking a major financial leap for the league.
The new seven-year agreement will raise the salary cap to $7 million in 2026, up sharply from $1.5 million in 2025, with projections showing it could exceed $10 million by the end of the deal.
Player salaries will also surge, with the supermax set at $1.4 million, compared to about $249,244 last year. The average salary will rise to around $600,000, while the minimum will cross $300,000.
Players are expected to receive nearly 20% of league revenue, reflecting the WNBA’s rapid growth in viewership and investment. The deal also improves player benefits, guarantees charter travel, and sets higher professional standards.
Both sides reached an agreement after months of intense negotiations. The deal still requires formal approval but signals a transformative shift for players and the league’s future.