Historic CBA Details
The WNBA and its players' union have reached a seven-year collective bargaining agreement. The deal includes a salary cap increase to $7 million, up from $1.5 million in 2025. Maximum salaries will approach $1.4 million.
The agreement also includes 20% revenue sharing, expanded rosters, and charter flights for players. Before this deal, WNBA players received roughly 9% of league revenue.
The sources also report that NBA players receive 49-51% of basketball-related income, NFL players around 62%, NHL players 50%, and MLB players about 48%—providing context for how the WNBA's 9% revenue share compared to other major sports leagues.
The sources also report that the maximum salaries for WNBA players will approach $1.4 million, a detail not included in the summary.
Addressing the Pay Gap
The new CBA arrives amid ongoing discussions about pay equity in women's sports. Jemele Hill stated that women in sports have had to fight for dignity and respect since they began playing sports.
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier had criticized what she called a "dangerous and dismissive culture at the top of the WNBA." Collier accused the league of ignoring injuries, brushing off officiating concerns, and failing to treat players with basic respect.
Reactions to the Deal
Napheesa Collier said commissioner Cathy Engelbert told players they should be "on their knees thanking their lucky stars" for the media rights deal, an account Engelbert disputed.
One player, Brittney Sykes of the Washington Mystics, held a 'Pay the Players' sign after last year's WNBA All-Star Game.
Broader Implications
The causes of the gender pay gap are structural and rooted in unequal opportunities. For years, WNBA players have gone overseas in the offseason to supplement their income.
The sources also report that NBA players receive 49-51% of basketball-related income, while NFL players get around 62%.