Overview
- The long‑form CBA took effect March 19, 2026, was ratified in late March, and runs through Jan. 15, 2033 with an opt‑out window by Jan. 15, 2031.
- Salaries will be set from a defined share of “shared basketball revenue” and the salary cap is $7 million for 2026 with percentage‑based increases laid out for later seasons.
- Minimum and maximum pay rise sharply under the deal, with minimum salaries around $270,000 and top‑end salaries near $1.4 million while rookie first‑round slots are scaled to the cap.
- The CBA creates paid developmental contracts with a base pay formula, per‑game bonuses and team‑provided one‑bedroom housing, and it shifts the free‑agency calendar to later February start dates.
- A Veteran Recognition Payment will deliver tiered lump sums to roughly 280 retirees totaling more than $14 million, with any retired WNBA MVP guaranteed the highest $100,000 payout and distributions expected before year‑end.