What happened: The WNBA and WNBPA have signed a term sheet for a new seven-year CBA starting in 2026 through 2032, with an opt-out after year six. It features a salary cap increase to $7 million in 2026 from $1.5 million in 2025, supermax contracts over $1.4 million, and the first comprehensive revenue-sharing model at around 20%. The agreement is pending ratification by players and team owners.
Why it matters: This transformative CBA addresses long-standing pay disparities amid the league's growth, likely reducing overseas play and improving player health and availability. For fans, higher salaries enable star retention like A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, stabilizing contenders and impacting, MVP props, and playoff races. Historically, it's a milestone for women's sports economics.
By the numbers: Salary Cap: $7M (2026), rising to >$11M (2032) Supermax: $1.4M+ Average Salary: ~$500k-$600k Minimum Salary: >$300k #1 Rookie: ~7.14% of cap (~$500k) Revenue Share: ~20% Rosters: 12 + 2 developmental Other: Charter flights, pregnancy exception, EPIC max eligibility for rookies
What to watch: Monitor ratification votes from players and owners; anticipate ripple effects on 2026 draft, free agency, and roster building.