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The WNBA and its players union have reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), keeping the league on track to start on May 8.
Lawyers on both sides will continue to hammer out the details of the new CBA. A term sheet is expected to be drafted in a day or two, then it will be forwarded to the players’ union for ratification and then approval by the league’s board of governors.
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) drives the ball against Connecticut Sun guard Leila Lacan (47) in the second quarter at TD Garden on July 15, 2025. (David Butler II/Imagn Images)
“I just want to say that we have aligned on key elements of a new collective bargaining agreement. We still have to finalize a list of formal terms, but the progress made in these discussions marks a transformative step forward for the players and the league,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “This underscores a shared commitment to the game’s continued growth, so we will share additional details as they become available.”
The deal is expected to reflect rapid growth over the past two seasons. The league exploded in popularity with the emergence of Caitlin Clark in 2024, alongside some of the other members of its rookie class.
Player salaries are also expected to increase fourfold compared to last season.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks during a press conference before the start of Game 1 of the 2025 WNBA Finals between the Phoenix Mercury and the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob Ultra Arena on October 3, 2025. (Stephen R. Sylvanie/Imagn Images)
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“For the first time, player salaries are tied to a truly meaningful share of league revenue, driving exponential growth in the salary cap, increasing average compensation beyond half a million dollars and raising standards for facilities, personnel and support,” said union president Nneka Ogwumike.
Both sides worked hard this week to reach an agreement, sometimes negotiating into the early hours of the morning. They reached an agreement around 2:20 a.m. ET on Wednesday.
“The deal is going to be transformative,” said union Vice President Breanna Stewart. “This will build and help create a system where everyone gets exactly what they deserve and more, on and off the field.”
Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) celebrates after Game 4 of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 10, 2025. (Joe Camporeale/Imagn Images)
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The league will now begin a quick break towards the season. The team will hold two expansion drafts with the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire joining the league this season. Free agency will also begin shortly with training camp, which is expected to take place six days after the draft.
