What happened: The WNBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the new CBA on Tuesday. The agreement follows a tentative deal reached by the WNBPA and league in late September. It spans 11 years through 2036.

Why it matters: The deal dramatically raises salaries, with average pay projected to exceed $100,000 by 2030, fueling league growth amid surging popularity. It enables expansion to 18 teams and improves benefits, stabilizing operations post-2024 playoffs.

What to watch: Monitor WNBPA's final player ratification vote and early implementation effects on 2025 salary cap.