WNBA’s New Deal: Bigger Pay, Fresh Start

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and its players’ union have finally reached a tentative agreement after more than a year of talks. The deal, still in principle, will set the stage for the league’s 30th season that kicks off on May 8. Negotiations dragged from March to June, with back‑and‑forth talks that included a marathon eight‑day session in late March. A term sheet will soon be drafted, then voted on by players and approved by the board of governors. Until that happens, the league remains in a “status‑quo” period that could delay the season. The new contract promises a dramatic rise in earnings. The salary cap jumps from $1. 5 million next year to about $7 million, and the average share of league revenue for players climbs from 9. 3% to roughly 20%. Players can expect a minimum salary above $300, 000 and an average near $600, 000; the top “supermax” contract could reach $1. 4 million. For context, last season’s highest pay was just over $250, 000 and the average hovered around $105, 000. Beyond money, the agreement tackles benefits that have long been a sticking point. The league will continue to provide housing, but the exact details remain in negotiation. Other perks such as staffing support and retirement plans are set to improve, giving players more security both on and off the court.The new deal also addresses expansion. Two fresh teams, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, will join in 2026. Their entry hinges on a new expansion draft format that will only be finalized once the collective bargaining agreement is signed. Meanwhile, free‑agency windows and the 2026 draft will be squeezed into a tight timeline to keep the season on schedule. The players’ union, led by figures like Nneka Ogwumike and Breanna Stewart, pushed for a structure that reflects the league’s growth in attendance, viewership and investment. Their demands included higher revenue shares and a salary system tied to the league’s earnings rather than a fixed cap. The WNBA, under Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, agreed to significantly raise player salaries and benefits while maintaining a fixed salary cap. Both sides highlighted the importance of collaboration: “We have always believed that as this game grows, the players who power it must grow with it, ” said Ogwumike. Engelbert echoed this sentiment, calling the deal a “transformational step forward” for women’s sports. With the season set to begin in early May, fans can look forward to a new era of higher pay, better support and fresh talent from the newest franchises. The league’s next chapter promises to be more competitive, inclusive and financially rewarding for all involved.