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WNBA CBA sets new pay, roster and benefits through 2032
Summary
The WNBA and the players’ union agreed to a seven-year collective bargaining agreement for 2026–2032 that raises the team salary cap, increases minimum and average pay, expands rosters with developmental spots, and standardizes travel and housing benefits.
Content
The WNBA and the WNBPA announced they reached terms for a seven-year collective bargaining agreement covering 2026–2032. Negotiations were protracted and there were reports of a possible work stoppage before the agreement. The deal addresses the salary cap, player pay, roster sizes, and league-wide benefits. Some specifics, including the exact revenue-sharing percentage, were not detailed in the announcement.
Key details:
- The team salary cap is $7 million in 2026 and could rise to about $11 million by 2032.
- Players will receive a share of league revenue that increases as revenue grows, though the precise percentage was not specified.
- Minimum salaries are reported in the $270,000–$300,000 range; the average salary is listed as $583,000 for 2026; and the maximum salary is $1.4 million in 2026 with the possibility of rising to about $2.4 million.
- Players on rookie-scale contracts from 2025 will have their pay adjusted to the new rookie scale, and the first pick of the 2026 draft is noted at $500,000 for the season.
- All teams must carry 12 active players and may sign two additional developmental players, creating 14-player rosters in 2026; developmental players train with the team and receive housing.
- League standards include charter travel, housing or stipends for active players in 2026–28 (with housing limited to those earning $500,000 or less in 2029–30), and expanded first-class travel accommodations in some form.
Summary:
The agreement raises compensation floors and average pay, adjusts the salary cap over the term, expands roster depth with developmental spots, and standardizes travel and housing benefits. Exact revenue-sharing terms and other specifics were not fully disclosed. Undetermined at this time.
