There aren’t many WNBA players – current or former- who have influenced women’s basketball as much as Phoenix Mercury legend Diana Taurasi.
Taurasi, an 11-time All-Star and three-time WNBA champion, averaged 18.8 points and 4.2 assists per game during her career. She officially retired after the 2024 season. Although she didn’t go out with another ring, she did capture her sixth Olympic gold medal in Paris that summer.
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As you’d imagine, Taurasi paid close attention to the WNBA and Women’s National Basketball Players Association’s negotiations this offseason. They’ve been trying to work out a new collective bargaining agreement since the end of the 2025 season.
On Wednesday, the two sides reached a verbal agreement on a new CBA. The WNBA’s salary cap will increase to $7 million for the 2026 season. Not only will the supermax start at $1.4 million, the average salary will increase to around $600,000.
Time will tell if this CBA works out in everyone’s favor. For now, Taurasi is just glad the players and the league took yet another step in the right direction.
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“The WNBA has gone through a long journey over the last 30 years,” Taurasi told The Spun. “There’s a lot of hard work, grit, perseverance and determination. This is just another milestone for women’s sports. It’s nice to see the WNBA in a better place than where you left it.”
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 11: Diana Taurasi #12 and Kelsey Plum #5 of the USA Women’s National Team pose for a photo after winning the Women’s Gold Medal Game on August 11, 2024 at the AccorHotels Arena in Paris, France. (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)Jesse D. Garrabrant/Getty Images
(Jesse D. Garrabrant/Getty Images)
Key dates for 2026 WNBA season.
The WNBA’s free agency period is set to begin on April 7, but signings can’t become official until April 12. As for the WNBA Draft, that’ll take place on April 13.
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Since a deal got done in mid-March, the WNBA is still expected to start its regular season on May 8. Of course, all these dates are subject to change if it’s deemed necessary.
Are you excited for the 2026 WNBA season?
This story was originally published by The Spun on Mar 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
