The WNBA and its players’ union, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA), have agreed to a “transformative” labor deal, marking a significant milestone in women’s professional sports. The seven-year collective bargaining agreement, which runs through 2032, includes substantial salary increases, improved benefits, and expanded revenue sharing. The average salary is projected to be around $583,000 in 2026, with a maximum salary of $1.4 million, and is expected to reach over $1 million by the end of the agreement. The deal also includes a salary cap of $7 million, up from $1.5 million in 2025, and provides for increased housing benefits, charter flights, and retirement contributions.
The agreement is seen as a major victory for players, who had sought a greater share of league revenues and improved benefits. WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike hailed the deal as a “defining moment” in the WNBA’s 30-year history, while Commissioner Cathy Engelbert called it a “transformative step forward for players and the league”. The deal still needs to be formally ratified, but it’s expected to be approved, paving the way for a strong 2026 season.
