WNBA and Players Union Continue Marathon CBA Negotiations Past March Deadline
March 13, 2026
Sylvain Sultat
WNBA and Players’ Union Reach Verbal Agreement on New CBA After Marathon Negotiations
Historic Deal - The WNBA and Women's National Basketball Players Association have reached a verbal agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement just 51 days before the league's 30th season, marking a transformative moment that will introduce the first $1 million salaries in league history.
Indiana Fever forward Chloe Bibby (55), guard Caitlin Clark (22) and guard Sophie Cunningham (8) cheer during Game 4 of the WNBA semifinals on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Fever defeated the Aces 90-83.
After more than 100 hours of marathon bargaining sessions, the WNBA and its players have finally reached a breakthrough. The verbal agreement, announced early Wednesday morning in a midtown Manhattan hotel lobby, ends a prolonged labor battle that began 17 months ago when players opted out of their previous deal.
The progress made in these discussions marks a transformative step forward for players and the league, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert told reporters shortly before 3 a.m. ET, and it’s underscoring a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game.
Player Empowerment Takes Center Stage
WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson emphasized the significance of the moment for player empowerment. I think this can be summed up in two words: Player empowerment … players coming to the table and standing on business and being reminded of the collective voice and of what it means to be in a union and the power of this union, Jackson said.
The agreement reflects the league’s explosive growth in recent years, with viewership, attendance and investment reaching unprecedented levels. For the first time in WNBA history, the salary system will be directly tied to revenue growth, paving the way for players to earn the league’s first $1 million salaries.
WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike highlighted the deal’s comprehensive impact, noting that the revenue sharing system will drive exponential growth in the salary cap and increase average compensation beyond half a million dollars. The agreement also strengthens housing, retirement and other benefits while raising professional standards across facilities, staffing and support.
Transformational Changes Ahead
This deal is going to be transformational, said Breanna Stewart, WNBPA vice president. It’s going to build and help create a system where everybody is getting exactly what they deserve and more, from on the court and off the court aspects.
The timing ensures no disruption to the upcoming season, with training camp set to open April 19 and the regular season beginning May 8. Both sides celebrated with champagne in their conference room after reaching the verbal agreement, though a formal term sheet still needs finalization and ratification by both players and the WNBA board of governors.
What we just accomplished is going to change the lives of so many players, said WNBPA vice president Alysha Clark. When we consider the next 10 years, this is really going to continue to catapult us, Ogwumike added, emphasizing the deal’s long-term impact on the next generation of players.
Sylvain Sultat follows the NBA on a daily basis, covering individual performances, team dynamics, and the league's greatest stories. On Be-Basketball, he breaks down the latest American basketball news with passion and consistency, always on the lookout for the trends shaping the world of basketball.
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