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The WNBA and its players union reached an agreement in principle on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that keeps the league on track to tip off on May 8.
Lawyers on both sides will continue to hammer out the details of the new CBA. A term sheet is expected to be drawn up in the next day or two, after which it will go to the players’ association to be ratified and later approved by the league’s board of directors.
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) drives the ball against Connecticut Sun guard Leila Lacan (47) in the second quarter at TD Garden on July 15, 2025. (David Butler II/Imagn Images)
“I just want to say that we have aligned the key elements of a new collective bargaining agreement together. We still need to finalize a formal term sheet, but the progress in these discussions marks a transformative step forward for the players and the league,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “It underscores a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game. So we’ll share additional details as they become available.”
The deal is expected to reflect the rapid growth of the past two seasons. The league exploded in popularity with the emergence of Caitlin Clark in 2024 along with some of the other members of her rookie class.
The players’ wages are also expected to quadruple compared to last season.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks during a press conference before the start of game one 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 are tied to a truly meaningful share of league revenue, driving exponential growth in the salary cap, increasing average compensation beyond half a million dollars and raising standards across facilities, staffing and support,” union president Nneka Ogwumike said.
The two sides pushed hard this week for a deal, sometimes negotiating into the wee hours of the morning. They reached an agreement around 2:20 a.m. ET Wednesday.
“The agreement will be transformative,” said union vice president Breanna Stewart. “It’s going to 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 the Mortgage Matchup Center on Oct. 10, 2025. (Joe Camporeale/Imagn Images)
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The league will now begin a quick break ahead of the season. The team will hold two expansion drafts with the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire joining the league this season. Free agency will also begin shortly along with training camp, which is expected to take place six days after the draft.
