After agreeing in principle to a landmark CBA deal on March 18, the WNBA’s board of governors voted to ratify the terms of the deal.
Just one day after WNBA players voted to ratify a term sheet for the agreement, the league’s board of governors, which includes team owners, agreed to do the same.
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“This marks the beginning of a bold new era of the WNBA – one made possible by the passion and dedication of the players, team owners, fans, investors, partners and the entire WNBA family,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement. “We remain focused on building on the unprecedented momentum around the league and preparing for our milestone 30th season, tipping off in May.”
“This transformational CBA delivers consequential economic progress and expanded benefits that support players on and off the court,” the WNBPA said on March 23. “It builds a stronger foundation for today’s players, the next generation, and those who helped build the WNBA. It affirms the strength of our union and the power of our collective voice.”
The WNBA and players’ union will work together in the coming days to finalize the long-form CBA agreement.
The new CBA starts in 2026 and will be valid for seven years, running through 2032.
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There will be a $7 million salary cap and a $1.4 million max salary in Year 1. The cap will be adjusted annually based on league and team growth, and max salaries are expected to exceed $2.4 million by 2032. A new system is also increasing player compensation to a projected amount of more than $1 million 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.
Here are some more details of the deal:
WNBA revenue sharing percentage
The average revenue share for the players is reportedly nearly 20% across the life of the deal, up from 9.3%.
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The WNBPA had requested 25% of gross revenue in the first year, increasing over the life of the agreement to an average of roughly 26%. The WNBA was offering more than 70% of league and team net revenue.
WNBA housing for the next three years
Housing will be provided for all players starting in 2026 and run through 2029. Any players making $500,000 or less will also receive housing in 20209 and 2030. Developmental players will receive housing every year.
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).
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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.
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.
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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 board of governors ratifies CBA, what it means for players
