\u2014 Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Is the new WNBA CBA official yet?<\/p>\n Not quite. Even though players have approved the deal, the agreement still needs final approval from the WNBA\u2019s Board of Governors before it becomes official. <\/p>\n Once that step is completed, the new CBA, expected to run through 2032, will formally go into effect.<\/p>\n Now that players have ratified the deal, several major offseason events can finally move forward:<\/p>\n Board of Governors vote (final approval step) Expansion draft (for new teams in Toronto and Portland) Free agency opens (with a large portion of players out of contract) WNBA Draft (scheduled for April) Training camps begin (mid-April) <\/p>\n All of these had effectively been on hold while negotiations were ongoing. <\/p>\n How much will players earn under the new CBA?<\/p>\n This is where the deal becomes truly groundbreaking. Reports indicate major financial changes:<\/p>\n Salary cap jump: from about $1.5 million to as high as $7 million Average salary: expected to reach around $500,000\u2013$600,000 Minimum salary: rising to roughly $300,000 Top (supermax) salaries: starting around $1.4 million, with potential to grow beyond $2 million <\/p>\n That\u2019s a massive leap compared to the previous system, where top salaries were under $250,000.<\/p>\n Will players share in league revenue?<\/p>\n Yes, and this is one of the major changes. For the first time, WNBA players are expected to receive a share of league revenue, reportedly around 20% of gross revenue over the life of the deal. This ties player earnings more directly to the league\u2019s rapid growth in popularity, attendance, and media rights.<\/p>\n What other benefits are included?<\/p>\n Beyond salaries, the new CBA includes several quality-of-life improvements:<\/p>\n Charter travel and upgraded transportation Improved housing benefits Expanded rosters and development spots Enhanced retirement, health, and family benefits <\/p>\n These changes address long-standing player concerns about working conditions and support systems. <\/p>\n Why is this deal such a big deal?<\/p>\n This agreement is being described as \u201ctransformational\u201d for women\u2019s sports and for good reason. The WNBA is coming off a surge in popularity, with record attendance and TV ratings, which gave players more leverage in negotiations. <\/p>\n The result is a deal that dramatically increases pay, introduces true revenue sharing, and improves overall player conditions. It\u2019s widely viewed as a turning point for the league\u2019s long-term growth.<\/p>\n The players\u2019 unanimous vote signals strong unity, but the process isn\u2019t fully complete just yet. Once the league gives final approval, the WNBA will enter a new financial era, with higher salaries, better benefits, and a structure that more closely reflects the league\u2019s rising profile.<\/p>\n For fans, the biggest impact may come soon – a fast-moving offseason and a 2026 season shaped by one of the most significant labor deals in league history.<\/p>\n Related stories Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage<\/a>, right at your fingertips \u2013 anytime, anywhere.<\/p>\n And there\u2019s more: check out our TikTok<\/a> and Instagram reels<\/a> for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/VSYH3P7ZJXU3ONWBPGWBODW2SE.jpg\")
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