sports

Wnba players secure historic collective bargaining agreement, potential for million-dollar salaries

Published on 18/03/2026 09:54 in sports • Joe Depaolo

New York – The WNBA and its players' union announced a tentative agreement early Wednesday, marking a significant leap forward for the league and its athletes. The deal, reached after 100+ hours of negotiations, promises substantial salary increases and a new revenue-sharing model that could see some players earning for the first time in the league's 30-year history, potentially reaching million-dollar salaries.

Players to benefit from revenue sharing and increased compensation

The agreement, detailed in a term sheet expected within the next few days, addresses key concerns raised by the union, including player salaries, housing, and franchise tags. Union President Nneka Ogwumike emphasized the agreement's historical significance, stating it's not just beneficial for current players but for those entering the league and those who have already contributed.

The deal represents a fourfold increase in salaries compared to last season, directly tied to a share of league revenue. This shift unlocks exponential growth in the salary cap, pushing average compensation above $500,000 and improving facilities and support for players.

The negotiations, which concluded around 2:20 a.m. Wednesday, followed a period of contentious discussions. Alysha Clark, a union executive committee member, explained the opt-out from the previous agreement stemmed from a perceived imbalance between player contributions and compensation. “You could feel the growth everywhere, but it wasn’t showing up for the players the way it should,” Clark said.

With the agreement in place, the league now faces a tight timeline to prepare for the 2024 season, set to begin on May 8th. Expansion drafts for Toronto and Portland are on the horizon, alongside negotiations with the large number of free agents. Training camps are scheduled to open on April 19th, just six days after the college draft. The WNBA saw record attendance in August, drawing 2.5 million fans, a testament to the league’s growing popularity.

The agreement signals a new era for women's Sports. It ensures that player value is reflected in financial terms, a long-sought goal for the union. The focus now shifts to the court.