The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is embarking on a new, "transformational" era following the unanimous ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) by both the players and the WNBA Board of Governors. This landmark seven-year deal, effective immediately and running through 2032, promises historic gains for players, significant league expansion, and comprehensive enhancements to player welfare, all set against a backdrop of a compressed and monumental offseason leading up to the 30th season's opening day on May 8.

Commissioner Cathy Englebert confirmed that despite extensive negotiations that extended past the previous CBA's October expiration, the league's schedule will proceed as planned. Training camps are slated to commence on April 19, with preseason games starting April 25. However, before players report, the WNBA must navigate a whirlwind 46-day offseason, encompassing a two-team expansion draft, an unprecedented free agency period, and the college draft, all scheduled between April 1 and April 13.

The expansion draft is set for April 6, marking a critical step for the league's newest franchises, the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, as they begin to build their inaugural rosters. While official rules and guidelines are still being finalized, the process is expected to mirror the Golden State Valkyries' expansion draft in December 2024. The 13 existing teams will be permitted to protect a group of players, likely five, according to sources. The Tempo and Fire will then select unprotected players until each team has 12 players. Teams will finalize their player protections between April 1-5. A coin flip will determine which expansion team selects first, with the team that does not pick first in the expansion draft receiving the No. 6 pick in the college draft, and the other getting the No. 7 pick. A significant challenge for front offices is navigating the high number of unrestricted free agents this offseason, as the 2024 expansion draft limited Golden State to drafting only one unrestricted free agent.

Following the expansion draft, a historic free agency period is scheduled to begin. From April 7-8, teams can extend qualifying offers to restricted, reserved, or core-eligible players. Official negotiations are slated to open on April 9, with players able to formally sign deals on April 12. This condensed timeline, typically a three-week process, could potentially lead to more short-term deals and less player movement this offseason, though the substantial financial incentives may still drive considerable activity. More than 100 players, including former MVPs like A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, along with franchise cornerstones such as Allisha Gray and Kahleah Copper, are expected to be free agents, making this a pivotal period for roster construction.

The financial terms of the new CBA represent a monumental shift for WNBA players. Under the league's new revenue-sharing model—a first in women's sports—the salary cap for the 2026 season will increase to $7 million, a substantial jump from $1.5 million in 2025, and is projected to exceed $10 million by the end of the deal. The supermax salary will start at $1.4 million in 2026 (up from $249,244 in 2025), with the average salary projected around $600,000 (compared to $120,000 in 2025). Minimum salaries will surpass $300,000 (from $66,079 in 2025). Specific minimum salaries for 2026 are based on years of service: $270,000 for zero years; $277,500 for one to three years; $285,000 for four to six years; $292,500 for seven to nine years; and $300,000 for 10 or more years, with these amounts increasing by 4% annually. The regular max salary for 2026 is set at $1.19 million, or 17% of the cap.

These salary changes will dramatically impact players across all experience levels. For an elite veteran like A'ja Wilson (eight years experience), her projected 2026 supermax salary will be $1.4 million, a significant increase from her $200,000 salary in 2025. Similarly, award values are increasing, with an MVP award now worth $60,000, up from $15,450. An average salary veteran such as Alanna Smith (seven years experience) can expect her 2026 salary to be around $600,000, compared to $150,000 in 2025. Even minimum salary veterans like Erica Wheeler (10 years experience) will see a substantial boost, with a projected $300,000 salary in 2026, up from $78,831 in 2025.

Rookie contracts are also seeing significant adjustments. Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 pick in 2024, entering her third year, will see her 2026 salary adjusted to nearly $530,000. New CBA features like "EPIC" (Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract) allow players to renegotiate their fourth-year option and sign three-year extensions, potentially reaching max or supermax deals if they achieve honors like All-WNBA or MVP. For the 2026 draft class, the No. 1 pick, projected to be Azzi Fudd, will earn $500,000. Rookie-scale salaries range down to $289,133 for the last first-round picks, while second- and third-round picks and other rookies will receive $270,000. Crucially, lottery picks will now receive full salary protection in their first year, with additional protection opportunities for other picks, a significant improvement from previous agreements.

The final step of this accelerated offseason is the WNBA draft, scheduled for April 13 in New York City. This year, the draft will grow to 45 total picks with the inclusion of Toronto and Portland. Teams will be navigating NCAA tournament analysis (the women's national championship is April 5, the day before the expansion draft) while simultaneously engaging in free agency negotiations. Under the new CBA, teams are required to maintain a 12-player roster, with two additional spots available for developmental players who will not count against the salary cap. The Dallas Wings hold the No. 1 pick for the second consecutive year, with UConn's Azzi Fudd widely projected as the top selection.

Beyond the immediate offseason, the new CBA introduces substantial changes to the league calendar and player commitments. The latest possible end date for the WNBA season has been extended to November 21, nearly a month later than the previous October 31 limit, and potentially to November 30 in 2028 due to Olympic scheduling. Starting in 2027, the number of possible regular-season games will increase to up to 50, and then to 52 by 2029, up from a previous maximum of 44. This expansion of the calendar aligns with the league's growth, aiming for a record 18 teams by 2030. Players will also have an earlier report date, mandated to arrive in their home markets by April 15 (or the start of training camp) beginning in 2027, compared to the previous May 1 deadline. These extended season dates and earlier report requirements could impact players who participate in overseas leagues, including Project B, an international five-on-five league scheduled from November 2026 to April 2027.

A key priority for players during negotiations was the improvement of practice facilities and team staffing. The new agreement sets minimum standards, requiring teams to provide nursing rooms immediately and a family room at the team's home arena by 2027. By 2028, specific requirements for practice facilities will include: an exclusive locker room with sufficient bathrooms, showers, and lockers for the WNBA team; a private and exclusive WNBA regulation basketball court during scheduled use; a separate weight room and cardio area for private and exclusive use; a dedicated medical/treatment room; and a designated non-public, secure, and hygienic area for meals. Staffing requirements have also expanded significantly, now mandating two athletic trainers, two team physicians, one strength and conditioning coach, one physical therapist, one director of sports medicine, one massage therapist, access to a nutritionist, and at least one security personnel—a stark contrast to the previous requirement of just an athletic trainer and a team physician.

Other notable highlights from the new CBA include the establishment of a joint WNBA/WNBPA committee on wearables, allowing for a voluntary program from 2026-28 for approved wearable devices during games, with potential mandatory use by 2028 (player data cannot be used in contract negotiations). A committee will also be formed to develop parameters for new predraft requirements, including a potential combine, ahead of the 2027 season. Players signing a contract as part of a sign-and-trade deal can no longer exceed the standard max salary. Benefits for retired players are also improved, with recognition payments ranging from $30,000 to $100,000 based on years of service, and an annual reimbursement of up to $1,200 for healthcare expenses for those with four or more years. Teams are now permitted to offer more guaranteed contracts, increasing from six to seven (excluding rookie-scale contracts). The WNBPA will manage and control licensing rights for adult jerseys. Furthermore, enhanced family support includes requiring teams to allow dependent children aged 13 or younger (or older at team's discretion) to travel with the team, providing an extra hotel room, and offering two weeks of paid leave for non-birthing parents. Family planning benefits are now available to players with two or more years of service, and crucially, for their partners/spouses, expanding significantly from the previous eligibility of only players with eight or more years of service.