Ogwumike speaks from personal experience. The 2016 WNBA MVP chose basketball because legends like Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, Cynthia Cooper, Maya Moore, and Diana Taurasi. And that legacy is being carried forward by the likes of A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, and many more.

“To play with a purpose, being able to be part of that, is the ultimate gift, Ogwumike continued. “I mean, it is the most life-changing experience, the most empowering experience.”

The WNBA players had access to full-time charter flights in 2024. In July 2024, the league got a new 11-year media-rights deal worth $3 billion with Disney, NBC and Amazon, while further expanding it with USA Network, Paramount, Scripps, and NBA TV.

But that is not all that the WNBA has achieved. The players held their ground when it came to the CBA negotiations that increased the maximum salary to over a million dollars. Recognizing the monumental change, one WNBA legend recognized the impact newer generations are bringing.

Trailblazer Speaks About The Evolution Of WNBA

Cynthia Cooper had a lot to say on the 30 years of WNBA and how she and other WNBA trailblazers made a path to success for future generations.

“I knew that we had to lay a solid foundation in order for the WNBA and little girls to be able to dream of playing professional basketball, and now, we’re here.”

Cooper further discussed how the WNBA continues to grow with talented players like A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese, while also acknowledging prodigies like Lauren Betts and Azzi Fudd.

“I’m like, ‘Yes, I was a part of this right from the beginning,’” she continued. “And to see it flourish and the new CBA agreement, I’m just over the moon. I’m super excited, not just for 30 years of WNBA, but the next 30 years. The next 30 years is what I’m super excited about.”

The WNBA underwent the most significant transformational change in its history after the new CBA was signed on May 22, 2026. It not only increases the salary cap to $7 million from $1.5 million in 2025, but also provides housing for the players for the first three years of the deal.

It will also pay up to $100,000 to retired players with at least five years of experience via the Veteran Recognition Payment. The CBA deal, including the aforementioned transformational occurrences, has made the WNBA a sustainable and thriving league.