WNBA, Players’ Association agree to historic CBA after long battle

by March 18, 2026

written by March 18, 2026

WNBA, Players’ Association agree to historic CBA after long battle

After a long labor battle, the WNBA and WNBA Players’ Association have reportedly reached a verbal agreement on a historic collective bargaining agreement. The agreement comes just under two months before the season is set to begin.

The verbal agreement was reached in the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday.

“The progress made in these discussions marks a transformative step forward for players and the league,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert told reporters, via ESPN.com, “and it’s underscoring a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game. It’s [been] a process, but we’re very proud to be leading in women’s sports, and these players are amazing, and we’re going to have an amazing 30th season tipping off in May.”

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The new deal ties the league’s salary system to revenue growth, which has been a sticking point for the Players’ Association. Under the new CBA, salaries are expected to reach $1 million.

Engelbert announced the news alongside WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson and four members of the WNBPA executive committee — president Nneka Ogwumike, vice presidents Breanna Stewart and Alysha Clark, and treasurer Brianna Turner.

Full details of the agreement have not been announced.

“We’re just really grateful to be able to come to a deal,” Ogwumike said in a statement. “We’re proud of ourselves. And quite frankly, we always told you all we were going to stand on business, and that’s what this looks like. I really feel like a lot of what we were at the table for was for the next generation. When we consider the next 10 years, this is really going to continue to catapult us.”

The 2026 WNBA preseason is set to tip off on Saturday, April 25, with opening night for the regular season Friday, May 8.