The WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) have verbally agreed on terms for a new collective bargaining agreement. The agreement was reached early Wednesday, just 51 days before the league’s 30th season is set to tip off.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed reporters shortly before 3 a.m. ET. She said the progress marks a transformative step forward for players and the league. Engelbert also highlighted a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game.
Details Emerge After Lengthy Negotiations
Engelbert, WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson, and WNBPA executive committee members Nneka Ogwumike, Breanna Stewart, Alysha Clark, and Brianna Turner shared the news. They spoke to reporters at The Langham hotel in midtown Manhattan, where they began over 100 hours of bargaining sessions the previous week.
Jackson described the agreement as player empowerment. She highlighted players coming to the table and standing on business, reminding themselves of the collective voice and the power of the union.
Details of the agreement were not disclosed. A formal term sheet still needs to be finalised, and the agreement is pending ratification by the players and the WNBA board of governors.
Offseason Calendar Details
Engelbert confirmed the extended negotiations avoided any changes to the 2026 schedule. Training camp is set to open April 19, followed by preseason games beginning April 25. The regular season is scheduled to start on May 8.
The exact proceedings for the rest of the offseason calendar were not announced. The league must still hold a two-team expansion draft and free agency for more than 100 players once the deal is ratified, which could take several weeks. The college draft is scheduled for April 13.
A Transformative Deal for the WNBA
This will be the sixth CBA in league history, following deals in 1999, 2003, 2008, 2014 and 2020.
Ogwumike said they were grateful to reach a deal and proud of themselves. She added that they always said they would stand on business.
- Training camp is set to open April 19.
- Preseason games begin April 25.
- The regular season starts on May 8.
The agreement is expected to reflect the league’s growth and popularity, with viewership, attendance and investment reaching historic levels. 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.
Stewart said the deal will be transformational, helping create a system where everyone gets what they deserve and more, both on and off the court.