WNBA, Players' Union Reach Verbal Agreement on New CBA

The WNBA and Women's National Basketball Players Association reached a verbal agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement after 2 a.m. Wednesday in New York, ending more than a year of tumultuous negotiations.

“The WNBA and the Women's National Basketball Players Association reached a verbal agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement after 2 a”

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The deal came 17 months after players opted out of their previous agreement and five months after that deal was initially set to expire.

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Talks were frequently contentious throughout the process.

League staff, WNBPA leadership and members of the union's executive committee gathered in a conference room at the Langham hotel in midtown Manhattan and celebrated with champagne.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said they have "aligned on key elements of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement together" and still need to finalize a formal term sheet.

The agreement would be the sixth CBA in league history, following deals in 1999, 2003, 2008, 2014 and 2020.

The agreement would tie the league's salary system to revenue growth for the first time in WNBA history, creating a transformative financial structure.

According to The Athletic, the league proposed a $6.2 million salary cap — up from $5.75 million in its previous offer — with a supermax salary of $1.3 million in Year 1 that would climb to roughly $2 million by Year 6.

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This represents a dramatic increase from the previous supermax which sat at just under $250,000.

Nneka Ogwumike confirmed in a formal statement that the deal's revenue sharing system will drive "exponential" growth in the salary cap and increase average compensation beyond half a million dollars.

The deal is also expected to enhance player benefits, codify charter travel and establish other professional standards that represent a significant upgrade from previous agreements.

Players expressed overwhelming excitement and pride about the historic agreement, with multiple stars calling it transformational for women's sports.

“NEW YORK -- After a prolonged labor battle, the WNBA and Women's National Basketball Players Association reached a verbal agreement on the terms for a new collective bargaining agreement early Wednesday, just 51 days before the league's 30th season is set to tip”

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Breanna Stewart declared "This deal is going to be transformational. It's gonna build and help create a system where everybody is getting exactly what they deserve."

WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike called the moment historic for women's sports, stating "This is historical for women's sports" and expressing gratitude that "we're just really grateful to be able to come to a deal. We're proud of ourselves."

Caitlin Clark noted that "What we just accomplished is going to change the lives of so many players" and emphasized that the changes will benefit players "from on the court and off the court aspects."

The players celebrated with champagne at the Langham hotel, reflecting their unity and satisfaction with the outcome of their collective action.

The verbal agreement still requires several formal steps before it becomes fully implemented.

Both sides declined to share details of the agreement, with a formal term sheet still needing to be finalized over the next few days.

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The agreement is pending ratification by the players as well as the WNBA and NBA Board of Governors.

Eagle-Tribune reports that "Specifics still need to be finalized over the next few weeks as lawyers on both sides work on the new CBA. A term sheet should be done in the next day or two."

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert confirmed that training camp and the regular season will start on time, with the expansion draft for Portland and Toronto, the college draft and free agency for roughly 80% of the league still needing to take place before camp opens April 19.

The regular season is scheduled to tip off May 8, ensuring no disruption to the 2026 schedule despite the extended negotiations.