The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the players’ union (WNBPA) reached a transformational seven-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on March 20, 2026, ending 17 months of negotiations. The salary cap for the 2026 WNBA season will be set at $7 million for each team. By tying compensation directly to league success, the CBA creates a feedback loop: as the WNBA grows, so will player earnings.
The 2026 CBA is a negotiation between the WNBPA and the league. The players’ union has one goal: to get the best deal possible for all players. The 2026 deal created a landmark agreement that could redefine the economics and trajectory of women’s professional sports.
For the first time in the league’s 30-year history, the WNBA will implement a comprehensive revenue-sharing model, allocating 20% of league revenue to player compensation. Taken together, the deal is expected to deliver more than $1 billion in total player salaries and benefits over its lifespan.
All contract levels have seen historic salary growth. Maximum contracts rise to $1.4 million a year, average salaries to around $583,000 a year and minimum salary contracts to around $300,000 a year.
The agreement extends well beyond paychecks; the CBA includes benefits such as full-time charter travel, enhanced retirement and family benefits and increased bonuses for awards and championships. Rosters will expand to 12 spots and two developmental player roster spots. The regular season itself is set to grow from 44 games to 50 games and up to 52 by 2029.
Along with contract changes, the 2026 WNBA season also marks the inaugural year for the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo, the 14th and 15th teams to join the league. Future teams in Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029) and Philadelphia (2030) have also been announced, expanding the WNBA to 18 teams.
The timing of the agreement is no coincidence. The WNBA has been experiencing a surge in popularity, fueled by a new generation of stars, increasing viewership rates and a multi-billion-dollar media rights deal. Expansion is underway, with new franchises and markets further increasing the league’s footprint.
By tying salaries to league revenue, dramatically increasing pay and improving player conditions, the league has positioned itself for growth.
Tune into the WNBA Draft on April 13 at 7p.m. on ESPN to see talented women achieve their goal of going pro. Preseason games start on April 25 and the regular season tips off on May 8.
