What changed in the new WNBA CBA?

The new WNBA collective bargaining agreement represents a historic leap in player compensation. The salary cap jumped from 1.5 million dollars to 7 million dollars per team, a 367 percent increase. Supermax salaries now start at 1.4 million dollars, with average player salaries reaching approximately 600 thousand dollars. The minimum salary surpasses 300 thousand dollars for the first time. Players also secured a 20 percent average revenue share across the life of the deal, establishing a new baseline for women's professional sports compensation worldwide.

How does the WNBA salary compare to the NBA?

While the new WNBA CBA represents enormous progress, a significant gap with the NBA remains. The NBA salary cap for the 2025-26 season exceeds 140 million dollars per team compared to the WNBA's new 7 million dollar cap. The NBA's maximum individual salary exceeds 50 million dollars annually compared to the WNBA's 1.4 million supermax. However, the WNBA's 367 percent salary cap increase is unprecedented in professional sports and reflects the league's rapidly growing revenue from media deals, sponsorships, and attendance driven by stars like Caitlin Clark.

What drove the WNBA's new deal?

Several factors converged to create leverage for the historic deal. The WNBA experienced record viewership and attendance in recent seasons, largely driven by the arrival of Caitlin Clark and other high-profile rookies. New media rights deals significantly increased league revenue. Corporate sponsorship spending on women's sports grew dramatically. The players union negotiated strategically, with the agreement reached just 51 days before the 30th season tipoff on May 8, creating urgency for both sides to finalize terms.

What is a revenue share in a CBA?

Revenue sharing in a collective bargaining agreement means players receive a guaranteed percentage of the league's total revenue, including media rights, ticket sales, sponsorships, and merchandise. The WNBA's new 20 percent average revenue share means that as the league grows and earns more money, player compensation automatically increases proportionally. This mechanism aligns player and league interests, incentivizing both sides to grow the sport. In comparison, NBA players receive approximately 50 percent of league revenue under their CBA.

When does the new WNBA CBA take effect?

The new collective bargaining agreement was reached in principle on March 18, 2026, just 51 days before the WNBA's 30th season tips off on May 8, 2026. The deal takes effect immediately for the upcoming season, meaning players will begin receiving the enhanced compensation starting with their 2026 contracts. The agreement spans multiple years and includes escalation clauses that will further increase the salary cap and minimum salaries in subsequent seasons as league revenue continues to grow.

HISTORICWNBA reaches largest CBA deal in women's basketball history

WNBA / SportsMarch 2026

WNBA Landmark CBA: Salary Cap Soars to $7 Million

Published: March 19, 2026

The WNBA and players union reached a historic CBA agreement with a $7M salary cap (up from $1.5M), supermax salaries at $1.4M, and 20% average revenue share.

WNBA players in action -- Photo: ESPN

A Historic Pay Leap

The WNBA salary cap jumped 367% -- an increase unprecedented in any professional sports league.

Salary Cap Comparison

367% increase

$1.5M to $7M per team

Old Salary Cap$1.5M

New Salary Cap$7M

Deal Highlights

The three most significant changes in the new WNBA CBA.

MAX

Supermax Salary

$1.4M

Highest individual salary in WNBA history

MIN

Minimum Salary

$300K+

Surpasses $300K for the first time ever

REV

Revenue Share

20%

Players receive 20% average of total league revenue

The Deal in Context

The new collective bargaining agreement between the WNBA and the players union was reached in principle on March 18, 2026, just 51 days before the 30th season tips off on May 8. It is the largest deal in the history of professional women's basketball, reflecting the league's extraordinary growth in recent years.

The salary cap jumped from $1.5 million to $7 million per team -- a 367 percent increase. Supermax salaries start at $1.4 million, average player salaries reach approximately $600 thousand, and the minimum salary surpasses $300 thousand for the first time. Players also secured a 20 percent average revenue share across the life of the deal.

The WNBA's growth has been driven by record viewership and attendance, largely thanks to Caitlin Clark and other high-profile rookies. New media rights deals and dramatically increased corporate sponsorship spending on women's sports also played a critical role in creating leverage for this agreement.

WNBA CBA announcement -- Photo: Sports Illustrated

What This Means

The new CBA sets a new standard for professional women's sports worldwide. The 367 percent salary cap increase is unprecedented in any professional sports league, and the 20 percent revenue sharing mechanism ensures players will benefit from the league's continued growth.

While the gap with the NBA remains significant -- the NBA salary cap exceeds $140 million compared to the WNBA's $7 million -- this deal shows women's sports are advancing faster than ever. With increased player salaries, the WNBA can better retain talent and attract more elite athletes, creating a positive cycle for league growth.

▸ The WNBA minimum salary jumps from $62,285 to $136,000 -- young players can now live on basketball salary alone without needing side jobs.

If you love sports, also check out the World Baseball Classic 2026 and the World Athletics Indoor Championships Torun 2026.

Sports celebration moment — Celebration moment -- Photo: ESPN

References

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common questions about the new WNBA CBA deal.

By Nam Ha · Sports & Fitness Writer

Published: March 19, 2026 · Updated: March 25, 2026

sports·WNBA CBA 2026 · WNBA salary cap · women's basketball pay · WNBA collective bargaining