When the WNBA schedule was announced back in January, there were a lot of questions lingering. With the CBA drama at its peak, there was no guarantee the season would commence on time. Thankfully, after a long period of back-and-forth and negotiations, things began to fall into place.
When the new CBA was sanctioned by the league, things finally looked brighter. With raised salaries and a better revenue sharing in place, the players seemed pretty happy coming into the season. And as the WNBA enters its 30th season, here are the top 3 big changes coming in the league.
3. Higher Salaries Will Increase Competition Between Players
One of the biggest talking points of the latest CBA deal is the increased salary cap. While there has been a lot of criticism about how WNBA players get peanuts compared to NBA players, the current contract seeks to address some of it. For example, the rookie contracts have witnessed a significant surge. This year, the number 1 overall pick, Azzi Fudd, will be earning a whopping $500,000. Not only that, but other rookies coming to the league will have a lucrative contract waiting for them.
Additionally, a lot of players are expected to get a raise of almost $200,000 to boost their numbers further. Only recently, Jackie Young made history as she became the WNBA’s first million-dollar player. Signing a $1.19 contract with the Las Vegas Aces, the star player will now look to justify her price tag with some stellar performances. Now then, all these increased salaries will, in turn, contribute largely towards an elevated competitive spirit among the players. With almost everybody trying to outperform, the overall product might very well turn out to be a banger.
2. Late Season-Ending Signals To A Structural Change
For many years, the fans complained about the rushed nature of the WNBA schedule. Ending late October, there was very little time for the teams and players to cope between the games. Thankfully, with the addition of two more expansion teams, this year’s schedule extends well beyond October. Slated for a November 21 conclusion, this year’s WNBA will allow its fans to enjoy women’s basketball for a little longer. More importantly, time between games will also allow the players to get adequate rest as they have to travel constantly between games.
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Additionally, a late November finish means that the WNBA’s final stretch will run in parallel with the NBA. This year, we have already witnessed several female basketball stars paying a visit to NBA games. Thus, if that happens often this year, it will give the exposure a major boost. Moreover, the extended timeline also hints at a possible shift to 50+ games in the near future.
1. Increased Exposure Provides Athletes With Scope At Brand Deals
The WNBA has been witnessing a boom for a long time now. Since the emergence of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, the women’s basketball scenario has been rapidly changing. While the league has attracted new investors, brands have also shown significant interest in roping in WNBA athletes as their ambassadors. And in 2026, this trend is only expected to increase further. Last year, Reese had her dreams fulfilled when she walked for Victoria’s Secret.
This season, the brand market looks even more open than before. Coming out of the NCAA, teams selected Lauren Betts as the fourth overall pick, and the Washington Mystics made the call. Immediately after her induction into the WNBA, the UCLA star had some good news coming her way. Reebok announced a multi-year partnership with the rookie star.
Taking to their official Instagram page, Reebok celebrated the news by writing, “We would like to welcome Lauren Betts to the Reebok Basketball family. The highly decorated 6’7″ All-American centre is fresh off a national championship, where she earned accolades for her play. As the No. 4 pick in this year’s WNBA Draft, she is a dominant interior presence, poised to bring that same impact to the pro game.”
As more limelight shines on the WNBA, the league is gaining massive traction. Now, fans will be eager to see how the 2026 season, which has a lot of promise, plays out.