WNBA and Players Union Reach Tentative CBA Verbal Agreement After Intense Negotiations

After 100 hours of marathon proposal swapping and talks, both sides of the aisle were finally able to come to be in accordance with each other’s wishes and desires. Late Tuesday evening (into early Wednesday), the WNBA and the Players Union reached a tentative CBA verbal agreement after days of intense negotiations. This now triggers a next big move. A term sheet will now go to the players and WNBA Board of Governors for a vote to ratify the new agreement. This will be the sixth CBA in league history following deals in 1999, 2003, 2008, 2014 and 2020.

For the first time in WNBA history, the salary system is expected to be directly tied to revenue growth and players are anticipated to earn the league’s first $1 million salaries. Additionally, the deal’s revenue sharing system will drive “exponential” growth in the salary cap. While simultaneously increasing average compensation beyond half a million dollars.

This new CBA agreement will also raise the professional standard across facilities, staffing and support throughout the league. Moreover, it strengthens housing, retirement and other benefits. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert spoke with the media after the latest meeting successfully concluded. Engelbert remarks,

“We have aligned on key elements of a new collective bargaining agreement together. This deal is going to be transformational. It’s going to build and help create a system where everybody is getting exactly what they deserve and more. … just excited that we can tell our fans that we’re going to be back.

The progress made in these discussions marks a transformative step forward for players and the league. And it’s underscoring a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game. It’s [been] a process, but we’re very proud to be leading in women’s sports, and these players are amazing, and we’re going to have an amazing 30th season tipping off in May.”

WNBA CBA Verbal Agreement—Season Implications

So then, this means no strike, or lockout shall occur. The players will play and a women’s basketball crisis is now averted. The WNBA is BACK. And with not much time to spare, there are 51 days before the league’s 30th season is set to tip off.

Therefore, with negotiations unfortunately lasting past the previous March 10th deadline. And extending over an unexpected period of days. Would this upcoming 2026 season be slightly delayed? No.

Engelbert confirmed the extended negotiations avoids any impacts to the 2026 schedule. Training camp is set to open on April 19. Followed by preseason games beginning April 25 and the start of the regular season on May 8.

WNBA CBA Negotiations—Player Reactions

This transformational CBA verbal agreement comes 17 months after the players opted out of their previous agreement. And around five months after the former deal was initially set to expire. Nonetheless, the long battle now seems to be over. And as the smoke clears a bright future is emerging.

Several WNBPA executives and players who were involved with the negotiations spoke out to the media in the wee hours of Wednesday morning. All seemed proud of what had just been accomplished. All in attendance more than anything, seemed quite elated.

WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson proclaimed, “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. They never forgot it, and they have taken it, like they always do, to the next level.”

Nonetheless, to us, it was Alysha Clark’s sentiments that really resonated with the gravity of what is about to occur; not just for active WNBA players; but the next generation. Clark says,

“What we just accomplished is going to change the lives of so many players. And speaking from experience, players like me are going to be the ones that I think feel it the most, and that’s what I think we’re all super proud of, because that’s what we set out from the beginning, was making sure every player felt the change in the CBA, and that’s exactly what has happened.”

Yes, the union remained united and moved with the resolution of the Three Musketeers. All for one. And one for all. The tide raises all ships.

WNBA and Players Union Reach Tentative CBA Verbal Agreement After Intense Negotiations

Now that an agreement is in place, what’s next? When will we receive full disclosure of the new CBA? For now, both sides (WNBA and WNBPA) declined to share exclusive details of the agreement.

However, this decision not to share was for a reason. At this point in time a formal term sheet still needs to be finalized. Furthermore, the agreement is pending ratification by the players as well as the WNBA board of governors.

Therefore, a little more patience. Once full approval is reached, more intel shall follow. However, for now the players, league and the growing community of WNBA fans can soak in this sports celebration. A new era of the WNBA is before us and a new season, a new dawn in women’s basketball has arrived.

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