Caitlin Clark May Be Eligible for a WNBA Max Contract Sooner Under Proposed CBA

A proposed WNBA collective bargaining agreement would allow All‑WNBA first and second team players on rookie deals to sign max contracts in their fourth year, which would make Caitlin Clark eligible in 2027; the proposal also raises the league salary cap and average pay, and an agreement is needed by March 10 for the season to start on May 8.

A proposed collective bargaining agreement for the WNBA would change how quickly top rookies can reach maximum contracts and would raise overall pay levels across the league. The plan surfaced as talks continue ahead of a potential lockout. Reports say the proposal includes eligibility changes for All‑WNBA players still on rookie deals and large increases to the salary cap and average pay. League and player representatives have a March 10 deadline to reach an agreement for the season to start on May 8. Key details: - All‑WNBA first and second team players who are still on rookie deals would become eligible to sign a maximum contract in their fourth year and would not be eligible for the core player designation following that extension. - The proposal sets the first‑year salary cap at $5.75 million, rising to $8.5 million by the sixth year, compared with last season's $1.5 million cap. - Maximum individual salaries would increase to about $1.3 million from roughly $249,000, and average salaries would rise to about $540,000 from about $120,000 in the first year, as reported by the Associated Press. - Caitlin Clark, who was named All‑WNBA First Team as a rookie in 2024, would be eligible to sign a max contract in 2027 under the proposal; she is slated to make $85,873 in WNBA salary this season and also has endorsement income. - Negotiators have until March 10 to reach an agreement for the season to begin on May 8. Summary: If approved, the proposal would accelerate the timeline for some top rookies to access maximum contracts and would raise league‑wide pay figures. Negotiators must reach a deal by March 10 for the WNBA season to start on May 8.