The Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) and the WNBA Board of Governors have unanimously ratified a new seven-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) set to begin this season and run through 2032. This landmark labor deal, which saw over 90% player participation and a unanimous 'yes' vote, signifies a bold new era for the league, prioritizing player compensation, extended seasons, and improved working conditions.

A core component of the new CBA is its unprecedented financial gains for players, starting with a new revenue-sharing model – the first in women's sports – where players will receive 20% of the prior year's gross revenue. The salary cap for the 2026 season is set at $7 million, a significant increase from $1.5 million in 2025, and is projected to exceed $10 million by the end of the deal. Minimum salaries have seen substantial increases, ranging from $270,000 for players with zero years of service to $300,000 for those with 10 or more years, with these amounts rising by 4% annually. The supermax salary will be $1.4 million in 2026, while the regular max will be $1.19 million, or 17% of the cap.

Rookie compensation is also dramatically improved. The average Year 1 salary for 2026 first-round picks will be $386,000, a stark increase from about $75,000 in 2025. The No. 1 pick's rookie-scale salary is projected to be more than $2.2 million over four years. For players like Caitlin Clark, entering her third year as the No. 1 pick from 2024, her existing rookie deal will be adjusted to nearly $530,000 in 2026. A new 'Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract' (EPIC) feature allows players to renegotiate their fourth-year option and potentially sign a three-year extension, with honors like All-WNBA team selection or MVP leading to max or supermax deals. Additionally, lottery picks will now receive full salary protection in their first year.

The agreement also expands the WNBA season and modifies its schedule. Starting in 2027, the regular season will extend to up to 50 games, increasing to 52 by 2029, and the latest possible end date will shift to November 21, nearly a month later than the previous deal. In 2028, due to the Olympics, the season could even stretch to November 30. Players will also be required to report to their teams earlier, by April 15 or the start of training camp, beginning in 2027, potentially impacting those who play overseas during the offseason. The league's expansion plays a role in this longer calendar, with Toronto and Portland joining this season, and a goal of reaching a record 18 teams by 2030.

Significant improvements have been mandated for player facilities and support staff. By 2027, teams must provide nursing rooms and a family room at the home arena. From 2028, practice facilities will have specific requirements including exclusive locker rooms with sufficient amenities, WNBA regulation courts, separate weight/cardio areas, dedicated medical/treatment rooms, and secure meal areas. Team staffing requirements have also increased substantially, now requiring two athletic trainers, two team physicians, a strength and conditioning coach, a physical therapist, a director of sports medicine, a massage therapist, access to a nutritionist, and at least one security personnel.

Other key changes include increased guaranteed contracts (up to seven, excluding rookie-scale), two new developmental player spots, and the WNBPA taking over licensing rights for adult jerseys. Player benefits are enhanced with two weeks of paid leave for non-birthing parents and expanded family planning benefits for players with two or more years of service, as well as their partners/spouses. Teams are also now required to allow dependent children aged 13 or younger to travel with the team and provide an extra hotel room. Retired players will receive recognition payments ranging from $30,000 to $100,000 based on years of service, along with up to $1,200 in annual healthcare reimbursement.

With the CBA ratified, the league is moving quickly towards the start of the 2026 regular season on May 8. Upcoming events include the expansion draft for Toronto and Portland (April 6), a massive free agency period (expected to start April 7), the collegiate/overseas draft (April 13), and the start of training camp (April 19). A joint WNBA/WNBPA committee will also be established for wearables, with a voluntary program from 2026-28. Another committee will develop parameters for new predraft requirements, including a potential combine, ahead of the 2027 season.