WNBA and WNBPA Reach Tentative Verbal Agreement on Fresh CBA

The WNBA and the WNBPA (Women’s National Basketball Players Association) have reached a tentative verbal agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) early Wednesday morning, March 18, 2026. The deal, celebrated with a champagne toast shortly before 3 a.m. ET, is expected to grab weeks to ratify before taking effect for the upcoming 2026 WNBA season. Front Office Sports first reported the agreement.

Key Provisions of the Agreement

While the full term sheet is still being finalized, key details emerging from the negotiations indicate significant improvements for WNBA players. Notably, the supermax salary will reach seven figures.

WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike highlighted that, for the first time, player salaries will be directly tied to a meaningful share of league revenue. This linkage is projected to drive exponential growth in the salary cap, increasing average compensation to over $500,000. The agreement also focuses on elevating professional standards across facilities, staffing, and player support.

Further enhancements include strengthened provisions for housing and retirement benefits, as well as expanded resources for family planning and parental leave.

Negotiation Process

The agreement follows eight days of intensive, in-person bargaining sessions between league and union leadership. Negotiations began last Tuesday at the Langham Hotel in midtown Manhattan, moved to WNBA headquarters and the union office over the weekend, and concluded back at the hotel on Tuesday.

Prior to the tentative agreement, discussions had extended for over 70 hours since last Tuesday, with revenue sharing and housing identified as major focal points. ESPN

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stated that training camp, currently scheduled to begin on April 19, is not expected to be delayed.

Next Steps

The tentative agreement will now undergo a ratification process. The players will vote on the term sheet, followed by a vote from the WNBA Board of Governors.

The CBA and Player Involvement

The Collective Bargaining Agreement is negotiated between the WNBA and the WNBPA. The WNBPA staff, along with a Negotiating Committee comprised of the Executive Committee and other WNBA players representing the entire league, negotiate with representatives from the WNBA on behalf of all players. WNBPA The WNBPA emphasizes player involvement, frequently soliciting viewpoints from all players, encouraging direct communication with staff and committee members, and providing regular updates through written reports and conference calls. All WNBA players are welcome to attend negotiation sessions and ultimately vote on whether to accept the agreement. WNBPA