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The WNBA and its players’ union have reached an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which keeps the league on track for a hearing on May 8.
Lawyers on both sides will continue to hammer out the details of the new CBA. It is expected that there will be a term paper in the next day or two and it will head to the players’ union for approval and later approval by the board of governors of the league.
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) drives the ball past Connecticut Sun guard Leila Lacan (47) in the second quarter at TD Garden on July 15, 2025. (Photos by David Butler II/Imagn)
“I just want to say that we have complied with the key elements of the new collective bargaining agreement. We still need to finalize the official term sheet, but the progress made in these negotiations shows a step forward for the players and the league,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “It underscores a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game. Therefore, we will share more details as they become available.”
The deal is expected to show rapid growth over the past two seasons. The league exploded in popularity with the emergence of Caitlin Clark in 2024, along with other members of his rookie class.
The players’ salaries are expected to increase by four times compared to last season.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks during a press conference before the start of game one of the 2025 WNBA Finals between the Phoenix Mercury and Las Vegas Aces at Michelob Ultra Arena on Oct. 3, 2025. (Stephen R. Sylvanie/Imagn Images)
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“For the first time, player salaries are tied to a truly reasonable portion of the league’s budget, resulting in a significant increase in the average salary, increasing average compensation by more than half a million dollars and raising the standard in all facilities, staff and support,” said union president Nneka Ogwumike.
The two sides have pushed hard this week to reach a deal, sometimes negotiating into the wee hours of the morning. They reached an agreement around 2:20 a.m. ET on Wednesday.
“The agreement will be revolutionary,” said union vice president Breanna Stewart. “It will build and help create a system where everyone gets what they deserve and more from the court and out of the court.”
Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) celebrates after Game 4 of the 2025 WNBA Finals at the Mortgage Matchup Center on Oct. 10, 2025. (Photos by Joe Camporeale/Imagn)
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The league will now begin a quick break at the end of the season. The team will hold two expansion drafts with Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire joining the league this season. Free agency will also begin soon along with training camp, which is expected to take place six days after the draft.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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