The WNBA CBA news hit the internet, and everyone was looking for the final terms that the league and PA had settled on. As per the information provided so far, the historic WNBA CBA deal is worth over 1 billion dollars with a revenue-sharing breakthrough.
The massive sum highlighted the growth of the league and what’s expected in the next six to seven years. It was obvious that the investors are also looking for association with the league now, and the 2028 expansion team, Cleveland, was the first to announce investment.
Cleveland WNBA Team Adds Minority Owners
The WNBA took a bold step midway through the 2025 regular season and announced three new expansion teams. Cleveland is one of those franchises which recently added a new minority ownership group led by Monarch Collective, marking the women’s sports-focused private equity firm’s first WNBA investment. Led by Rock Entertainment Group, the franchise is securing local investors and has received strong demand, with over 8,000 fan deposits.
A private equity fund, Monarch Collective, leads the investment. They initially raised $150 million and have now added $100 million more, showing trust in their vision.
INBOX: Cleveland WNBA announced the addition of minority partners this AM.
— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) March 24, 2026
The expanded ownership group—subject to league approval—will include Monarch Collective, Liz Yee, Ted Coons, Lauren Spilman, Steve Demetriou, Michael Petras, John Morikis, Chris Hyland and A.J. Murphy.…
Monarch Collective is sorting out the less risky investments and strategically looking to invest in established leagues such as the NWSL and the WNBA. Investment in level was its first major step towards the association with women’s sports.
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While the league will welcome the Cleveland side in 2028, it’s ready with the two new entrants for the 2026 season and is looking to get the season up and running on time.
WNBA Looking To Get 2026 Season Underway
Right after the announcement of the CBA, the league quickly started working towards sealing the deal and working on the expansion draft, free agency signing and also WNBA draft well before the start date of the training camps.
As per the latest update, the WNBPA gave 100% backing to the new deal, and now the WNBA’s executive committee will sign the deal as confirmation of the terms.
The WNBPA ratified the terms of the 2026 CBA with over 90% participation and a unanimous vote to approve, per @AnnieCostabile
— Zero Gravity (@zgsportsmedia) March 23, 2026
The WNBA draft will start from April 13, while the league is looking for an expansion draft from April 1 and free agency signing to start from April 8.