WNBA, WNBAPA agree to CBA; here's what that means

The WNBAPA and WNBA reached a verbal agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement early Wednesday morning the sides announced.

A terms sheet is being finalized, with the players and then the WNBA Board of Governors voting on it; that process will “occur in the coming weeks,” according to frontofficesports.com.

Specifics on the agreement were not available according to multiple media reports, but it’s expected to reflect the league’s growth and popularity since the Fever’s Caitlin Clark entered the league in 2024. The salary cap is expected to be tied to revenue with supermax salaries exceeding $1 million.

Training camp for the Fever and the rest of the teams are expected to open April 19 as scheduled, according to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, with preseason games beginning April 25 and the regular season opening May 8. The league must hold an expansion draft, free agency and the college draft over the next 30 days.

“For the first time, player salaries are tied to a truly meaningful share of league revenue, driving exponential growth in the salary cap, increasing average compensation beyond half a million dollars, and raising the professional standard across facilities, staffing, and support,” WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike said to media. “It strengthens housing and retirement, and expands resources for family planning and parental leave. It redefines what it means to be a professional in this league.”

Engelbert added: “We’re proud of these players. We think it’s a fair win-win deal for all or we wouldn’t be standing here right now.”

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