What happened: The WNBA and Women's National Basketball Players Association have agreed to a tentative new collective bargaining agreement effective 2026. Salary cap jumps to $7 million from $1.5 million, supermax starts at $1.4 million, average salary around $600,000. Deal features nearly 20% average revenue share.

Why it matters: Dramatic increases address pay disparities, reducing overseas defections and stabilizing lineups for reliable. Enables supermax for rookies like Caitlin Clark, reshaping free agency and contention odds. Marks historic leap amid WNBA's popularity surge post-Caitlin Clark era.

What to watch: Monitor ratification vote and term sheet signing. Watch 2026 draft and free agency for early contract impacts.