A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces drives to the basket against the Phoenix Mercury during Game 4 of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Oct. 10, 2025.
Mike Lawrence | National Basketball Association | Getty Images
The WNBA and its players’ union have reached a verbal agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement, the sides said in a joint statement Wednesday morning.
“We have aligned on key elements of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement together,” the statement said. “We still need to finalize a formal term sheet, but the progress made in these discussions marks a transformative step forward for players and the league. It underscores a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game.”
Speaking at an event on Wednesday with JPMorgan Chase, three-time WNBA Champion A’ja Wilson told CNBC that the verbal agreement marks a huge day for the players and the league.
“I’m just super excited to be able to play and get what we’ve earned and deserved,” Wilson said.
Exact terms of the new deal were not disclosed, but it’s expected to include significant increases in areas ranging from player salaries to revenue sharing. Recent proposals included maximum player salaries exceeding $1 million and a salary cap of around $7 million.
“This is a defining moment for women’s basketball,” Alysha Clark, WNBPA executive committee vice president, said in a statement. “We are changing the economics of this game. Players sharing in the business we’ve built. Salaries that reflect our value. A system that grows with the league. These are real changes that strengthen the players, elevate the game, and make the product on the floor better.”
The verbal agreement marks the end of a prolonged and often contentious battle that threatened the start of the WNBA season and came as the league experienced record growth and popularity.
The deal is still subject to votes by the players and the WNBA Board of Governors, both expected in the coming weeks.
“We’re going to have an amazing 30th season tipping off in May,” Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told reporters following the negotiations.
The regular season begins May 8.
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