The Women's National Basketball Association and the Women's National Basketball Players Association have reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) following eight days and more than 100 hours of negotiations in New York City.

Announced on Friday and pending ratification by the league’s Board of Governors and the players’ union, the deal has been described as one of the most transformational in professional sports.

Central to the agreement is the introduction of what is being called the first comprehensive revenue-sharing model in women’s professional sports, projected to deliver over $1 billion in player salaries and benefits over its duration, marking a significant shift in how players are compensated.

The financial structure of the agreement signals a dramatic upward trajectory in earnings.

The salary cap for the 2026 season is set at $7 million and is expected to exceed $10 million by the end of the deal, scaling with league revenue.

Maximum salaries will begin at $1.4 million in 2026 and could surpass $2.4 million by 2032, while average salaries are projected to rise from $583,000 to over $1 million within the same period.

Minimum salaries will range from $270,000 to $300,000 in 2026, increasing to between $340,000 and $380,000 by 2032, alongside boosted rookie-scale contracts, including a projected $500,000 salary for the No. 1 overall draft pick.

The agreement also standardizes team structures, mandating 12-player rosters with additional developmental slots and gradually expanding the regular season from 44 games in 2026 to as many as 52 games by 2029–2032.

Beyond salaries, the CBA introduces wide-ranging improvements to player welfare and league operations.

Housing, long a point of contention, is now formally guaranteed, with full coverage for all players through 2028 and extended provisions thereafter for lower-earning and developmental players.

The deal also codifies league-wide charter air travel, enhances standards for team facilities, and expands access to medical and performance staff, including trainers, therapists, and nutritionists.

Additional provisions include salary cap protections for injured or pregnant players, mandatory trade consent for pregnant athletes, increased bonuses tied to league performance, improved retirement contributions, life insurance benefits exceeding $700,000 per player, and expanded mental health and family planning support.

Collectively, these measures shows a broader commitment to player well-being, financial security, and long-term career sustainability within the league.