The WNBA and its player union signed a term sheet for its new CBA, the league announced Friday, creating a pathway for full ratification in the coming days.
After agreeing in principle to a new CBA on Wednesday, the league and the WNBPA needed to sign a new term sheet to move forward with the 2026 season. The CBA starts in 2026 and will be valid for seven years, running through 2032.
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The league confirmed that there will be a $7 million salary cap and $1.4 max salary in Year 1. According to the WNBA, the cap will be adjusted annually based on league and team growth, and max salaries are expected to grow to more than $2.4 million by 2032. A new system is also increasing player compensation to a projected amount of more than $1 millions in salaries and benefits over the life of the agreement.
In 2026, the average salary in the WNBA is expected to be $583,000 and increase to $1 million over the life of the agreement. The range for minimum salaries will be based on years of service and will be from $270,000 to $300,000 in 2026 to $340,000 to $380,000 by 2032.
WNBA housing for next three years
Housing will be provided for all players starting in 2026 and through 2029. Any players making $500,000 or less will also receive housing in 20209 and 2030. Developmental players will receive housing every year.
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WNBA bonus structure
League and postseason awards received increases in bonus money for 2026. For example, teams that win the WNBA championship would receive $60,000 per player (up from $22,908). If a player makes the first-team All-WNBA, they would receive 30,000 (up from $10,300). If the player makes second-team All-WNBA, they receive $15,000 (up from $5,150). If a player wins MVP, they receive $60,000. For Defensive Player of the Year, they would stand to make $30,000 (up from $5,150), and any player who wins Rookie of the Year would receive $15,000 (up from $5,150).
What league, players’ union say about the WNBA CBA
“This collective bargaining agreement represents a defining moment in the WNBA’s 30-year history and all of women’s professional sports,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a release. “Since its inception, the WNBA has been shaped by extraordinary athletes who believed in the league’s future. The agreement is a testament to that belief and to the tremendous progress we have achieved together.”
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“We’ve always believed that as this league grows, the players who power it must grow with it, and we’re proud to see that belief shared,” WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike said. “We love this game enough to push for what it can become, not just for ourselves, but for those who built this league and those who will carry it forward. This agreement reflects that shared commitment, with players owning their value and future alongside a league growing stronger because of it.”
WNBA CBA rookie contracts and accelerators
For rookies, the league has established a new rookie contract scale, which will increase salaries for top draft picks, including the No. 1 overall pick in 2026. The top pick in this year’s draft is projected to earn $500,000. Existing rookie contracts will also be adjusted upward. In the new CBA, there is also a pathway to max contracts for players on rookie deals who earn MVP or All-WNBA honors.
All-WNBA first- and second-team players who are on rookie contracts would become eligible to sign a max contract in their fourth year of service. They would not be eligible for the core designation following an extension, provided that they also sign a three-year extension. Something else new in the CBA is that starting in 2027, players with seven or more years of service cannot receive a core designation.
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WNBA roster sizes
The league’s deal includes key changes to roster sizes. Teams are now required to have 12 players. They will also have two more roster spots for developmental players and salary cap exceptions for injured or pregnant players.
Other items included in the CBA
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The deal ensures enhanced standards for team facilities, expanded team staffing requirements, league-wide charter air travel, and significantly increased performance bonuses for individual award winners and playoff and Finals participants.
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There are also enhancements for retirees and retirement planning, with expanded team contributions to 401(k) accounts and for players with children or who are family planning. WNBA veterans and retired players will also receive recognition payments based on years of service.
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The deal also provides a pathway for games to increase from 44 games in 2026 to up to 50 games in 2027 and 2028, and up to 52 games in 2029 through 2032.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WNBA’S new CBA brings housing, bonuses to players
