After 17 months of discussions, numerous proposals and counterproposals, and, more importantly, significant criticism from both parties, the WNBA and the Players’ Association cracked the CBA ‘code’ just in time. They will now work on drafts and free agency signings to get the 2026 season underway. Cathy Engelbert spoke about the historic CBA deal and delivered the same.
While there is no public announcement of the CBA terms, as per earlier offers, the league included a special ‘pregnancy clause’ in the new CBA. Its intentions are to help players and franchises in case of a pregnant athlete.
Pregnancy Clause In New WNBA-CBA
The CBA deal was not only bound to the commercial aspect of the business, but players sought a better playing environment and also a fair say in the league. Pregnancy is one condition where there has been a major issue between the Las Vegas Aces and Dearica Hamby in the past. This prompted a special rule for the pregnant athletes, helping out both franchises and players.
As per the new terms, the franchise must take the pregnant player’s consent before trading her, which will hand the power to the athlete who earlier felt ‘injustice’ with the uncalled trade.
The new WNBA CBA will also have a pregnancy and childbirth salary cap exception. pic.twitter.com/WRbpqpSlOa
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) March 21, 2026
While franchises also have a provision in the clause, as they can replace the pregnant player with another player and get the salary cap exception for the same. This gives both players and franchises an equal opportunity.
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Apart from the Pregnancy clause, there were also differences in the housing provisions in the CBA terms, especially with the league removing the facility in its earlier offer.
WNBA CBA Takes Care Of Housing Provisions
Many players, including the New York Liberty star Natasha Cloud, criticized the WNBA’s decision to scrap the housing provisions in the new CBA. As per the league, a raise in pay would allow players to afford houses, but the players were still looking for the facility, citing the security and unknown locality concerns.
The new WNBA CBA is a total game-changer. 📈
— Rob Tiongson (@RobTiongson) March 20, 2026
💰 Max salary: $1.4M (up to $2.4M by 2032)
✈️ League-wide charter flights ($300M+ investment)
🏠 Guaranteed housing for all players ('26-'28)
📊 First-ever revenue-sharing model
👥 12-player rosters + 2 dev spots
The investment…
Now, based on the newly negotiated CBA, the league guarantees housing for players for the first three years of the new agreement before phasing it out for higher-paid players. It is interesting to note that the new CBA has a tenure of seven years, which is the longest in league history.