Following multiple failed negotiations over the span of more than a year, the WNBA and the WNBPA finally came to terms on March 18, and the clauses of the new deal favor the players significantly.

According to Spotrac, the average WNBA salary was around $107,000 in the last season, but with the new CBA set to deliver a major financial boost, players are expected to gain greater stability.

So, let's take a look at the five major changes that can be incorporated in WNBA contracts once the final ratification of the new CBA deal is completed

WNBA Salaries Surge by Nearly 400%

Just weeks after facing uncertainty, the WNBA has shifted focus to a new CBA that includes the EPIC (Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract) provision and a massive 364% salary cap increase, the largest in U.S. professional sports history.

If approved, the deal would raise the average salary to about $584,000 while guaranteeing a minimum of $270,000 for the lowest-paid players, marking a major step forward in player compensation.

WNBA Adds Housing Benefit for Players

Housing became a key part of the CBA negaotiations, and after the multiple failed sessions, it was decided that every contracted player will receive the facility for the first three years (till 2029).

After that, only players earning $500,000 or less will qualify for housing in 2029 and 2030. However, it was negotiated as a mandatory facility for every developmental player.

WNBA Rookies Could Earn More Than Ever

According to the new CBA 2026, the No. 1 draft pick next month will earn $500,000, and all current rookie contracts will also be increased. Rookie deals will still last four years from now on.

Players on rookie contracts who earn All-WNBA honors can receive a max salary in their fourth year if they sign a three-year extension. And that means, Caitlin Clark could qualify in 2027, Paige Bueckers in 2028, and Aliyah Boston in this season.

WNBA and Players Union Finalize 7-Year CBA

The seven-year deal, running from 2026 to 2032, comes after nearly 17 months of negotiations following the WNBPA’s opt-out in October 2024, as both sides pushed for a more modern and sustainable system.

Under the new agreement, max salaries will start at $1.4 million in 2026 and could exceed $2.4 million by 2032, with the regular season also expanding to 50 games in 2027–28 and 52 games from 2029 onward.

Other benefits

The league is making major investments in player benefits, including codifying charter travel at a cost of over $300 million while also expanding first-class travel across league events.

At the same time, life insurance coverage will increase to more than $700,000 per player, and teams will boost their contributions to 401K retirement accounts.

Beyond that, the agreement also includes meaningful payouts for former players, with retirees receiving tiered one-time payments based on years of service. Those with 12 or more years will get $100,000, while players with eight to 11 years will receive $50,000, and those with five to seven years will earn $30,000.

So, do you think the new CBA will finally stop players from going overseas during the offseason? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Sauramita Debbarma

Edited by

Souvik Roy