With a WNBA lockout looming on the horizon, details from the league’s latest collective bargaining agreement (CBA) proposal have emerged, and they should appeal to the league’s young stars.
Young WNBA stars, such as the Indiana Fever‘s Caitlin Clark, largely viewed as the catalyst for the league’s rise in popularity, worry they will simply not earn what they are worth. However, ESPN’s Alexa Philippou reported Monday that success early in a player’s career could equate to a lucrative contract sooner than in the past.
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“All-WNBA 1st & 2nd team players who are still on rookie deals would become eligible to sign a max contract in their 4th year & would not be eligible for the core following that extension,” wrote Philippou on X.
Clark, who was named All-WNBA First Team during her 2024 rookie season, would have been eligible to ink a max deal in 2027, under the new proposal.
As confirmed by the Associated Press, the league as a whole would see dramatic changes to its contracts with the average salary more than quadrupling.
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on during a WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun.Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
(Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“The salary cap in the first year would be $5.75 million — up 280% from last year’s $1.5 million. That would grow to $8.5 million by the sixth year of the deal,” wrote the AP. “The deal would result in maximum salaries increasing by more than $1 million — from $249,000 to $1.3 million — and average salaries increasing from $120,000 to $540,000 in the first year.”
While Clark has racked up millions in endorsements with brands such as Nike, Gatorade and State Farm, she is slated to make $85,873 in WNBA salary this season. So, a CBA deal that sees her amplify her earnings only seems right.
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Regarding when this deal needs to be struck, the AP confirmed that an agreement must be reached by March 10 for the season to start on time, which is May 8. Needless to say, the next week or so will be a big one for all involved.
Related: Caitlin Clark’s College Basketball Milestone Placed in Jeopardy
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
