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WNBA, Players Union Reach Verbal CBA That Links Pay to League Revenue

The deal awaits player ratification then board approval before a compressed offseason.

Overview

  • The sides struck the agreement after eight days and more than 100 hours of in‑person talks in Manhattan, with a handshake shortly after 2 a.m. Wednesday.
  • Lawyers are finalizing a term sheet to be voted on by players and then the WNBA Board of Governors in the coming weeks, with the pact slated to govern the 2026 season if approved.
  • Union leaders say salaries will be tied to a meaningful share of league revenue; reports cite a first‑year cap in roughly the $6.2–$7 million range, supermax deals above $1 million, average pay above $500,000, and minimums over $300,000, all subject to finalization.
  • The agreement is expected to strengthen housing and retirement provisions and expand resources for family planning and parental leave, alongside upgrades to facilities, staffing and travel standards.
  • League officials expect training camp to open April 19 and the May 8 tip‑off to proceed as scheduled, with the expansion draft for Toronto and Portland, a condensed free agency for a largely open market, and the April 13 college draft packed into a tight window.