The WNBA is on the verge of introducing its first million-dollar players following a groundbreaking agreement between the league and its players’ union on a new collective bargaining agreement early Wednesday morning. While some specifics are still being ironed out by legal teams from both sides, a term sheet is expected to be completed within the next couple of days. This sheet will then undergo player ratification and approval by the league’s Board of Governors.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed satisfaction with the progress made, emphasizing the shared commitment towards advancing player and league interests. The deal is anticipated to significantly boost player salaries, potentially enabling top players to earn up to $1.4 million in the first year.
According to an insider familiar with the negotiations, the 2026 season’s salary cap is projected to reach $7 million, with average player salaries exceeding $585,000 and a minimum salary of around $300,000, reflecting a fourfold increase from the previous season. Union president Nneka Ogwumike highlighted the groundbreaking shift of player salaries being tied to a substantial portion of league revenue, leading to a surge in salary caps, average compensations, and improvements in various league aspects.
The agreement symbolizes the WNBA’s remarkable growth and rising popularity, reflected in increased attendance, viewership, and stakeholder investments over recent years. Union vice president Breanna Stewart described the deal as transformational, emphasizing its role in establishing a fair system that rewards players both on and off the court.
Following over 100 hours of intense in-person negotiations spanning eight days, the agreement was reached in the early hours of Wednesday after more than 10 hours of discussions the previous day. The deal signifies a historic milestone for women’s sports, showcasing a collective effort to elevate the league’s standards.
The league and union held a joint press briefing in a New York hotel lobby around 3 a.m., underscoring the unity and determination that led to the agreement. This development comes after 17 months since players opted out of the previous agreement and five months past the initial expiration of the former deal, which at times faced challenges during negotiations.
Moving forward, the WNBA faces a tight schedule to prepare for the upcoming season, including an expansion draft for new teams in Toronto and Portland, negotiations with the significant number of free-agent players, and the opening of training camps on April 19, just days after the college draft.