After months of uncertainty surrounding the WNBA 2026 season, the League and the players’ union have finally reached a new collective agreement, ensuring that the season will proceed as planned.
It took 8 days of intense negotiations, sometimes lasting until 3 a.m., for the WNBA and WNBPA to come to a verbal agreement on the new CBA. Players like Nneka Ogwumike, Breanna Stewart, Alysha Clark, and Napheesa Collier played a significant role in representing the players’ interests. The League can celebrate as the planned schedule remains unchanged.
The main concern was the revenue sharing between the League and the players, with details yet to be officially revealed. However, it is anticipated that the supermax contract could reach seven figures based on the latest proposals. Ogwumike, the WNBPA president, expressed optimism about the agreement, stating that player salaries will now be a significant portion of the League’s revenue, redefining what it means to be a professional in the League.
Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA commissioner, expressed pride in the players and described the deal as a “win-win” agreement. While there is still some way to go with both parties needing to vote on the final agreement, it is expected that events will resume in a few weeks.
The upcoming events include the expansion draft for new franchises in Toronto and Portland (April 1-6), Free Agency (April 7-18), the regular draft (April 13), and training camps starting on April 19, leading up to the start of the regular season on May 8. The pace is picking up, bringing smiles back to the Women’s League.
(Source: Alexia Philippou, Front Office Sports)
