What happened: The WNBA and its players' association (WNBPA) have agreed in principle to a new collective bargaining agreement. The deal raises the salary cap to $7 million in 2026 from $1.5 million in 2025, with supermax contracts up to $1.4 million for top stars. It also introduces revenue sharing and other benefits like charter flights and expanded rosters.

Why it matters: This transformative CBA ends prolonged negotiations amid surging league popularity, enabling higher player pay and retention that could reduce turnover and improve team continuity for more predictable betting outcomes. Playoff contenders may benefit from better roster building.

What to watch: Monitor player ratification vote and early free agency moves for teams targeting stars like A'ja Wilson or Breanna Stewart.