WNBA and players reach late night agreement for new collective bargaining agreement
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The WNBA and its players union have reached an agreement in principle on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), keeping the league on track for a May 8 start.
Lawyers for both sides will continue to insist on the details of the new collective agreement. A term sheet is expected to be drafted in the coming days and will then be sent to the players union to be ratified and then approved by the league’s Board of Governors.
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark drives the ball against Connecticut Sun guard Leila Lacan at TD Garden on July 15, 2025. (David Butler II/Image Images)
“I just want to say that we have aligned on key elements of a new collective bargaining agreement. We still need to finalize a formal term sheet, but the progress made in these discussions marks a transformative step for the players and the league,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “It underscores a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game. Therefore, we will share additional details as they become available.”
The deal is expected to reflect rapid growth over the past two seasons. The league exploded in popularity with the emergence of Caitlin Clark in 2024, along with some of the other members of its rookie class.
Player salaries are also expected to quadruple from last season.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks during a press conference before the start of the WNBA Finals game between the Phoenix Mercury and the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob Ultra Arena on October 3, 2025. (Stephen R. Sylvanie/Imagn Images)
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“For the first time, player salaries are tied to a truly significant portion of league revenue, driving exponential growth in the salary cap, increasing average compensation beyond half a million dollars and raising the bar on facilities, staff and support,” said union president Nneka Ogwumike.
The two sides pushed hard this week to reach an agreement, sometimes negotiating into the wee hours of the morning. They reached an agreement around 2:20 a.m. ET on Wednesday.
“The agreement is going to be transformative,” said union vice president Breanna Stewart. “He’s going to build and help create a system where everyone gets exactly what they deserve and more on and off the court.”
Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson celebrates after Game 4 of the WNBA Finals at the Mortgage Matchup Center on Oct. 10, 2025. (Joe Camporeale/Image Images)
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The league will now begin a counterattack toward the season. The team will hold two expansion drafts, with Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire joining the league this season. Free agency will also begin shortly, along with training camp, which is expected to take place six days after the draft.
The News contributed to this report.
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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor at News Digital.