It took 17 months to confirm the terms of the new CBA, with multiple offers and proposals taking several corrections and suggestions from both parties. There were face-to-face meetings at the end, where the league and players’ association worked on the differences and verbally agreed on the CBA to get the further processes underway.
Cathy Engelbert promises a historic CBA breakthrough during the discussion phase, and as per the report, sealed a massive deal, handing the players an opportunity to earn millions.
New CBA Terms Get Nod From WNBA Board of Governors
As per the process of the CBA finalization, both players and league representatives have to agree on the terms of the CBA via voting. Earlier, the WNBPA submitted its acknowledgement with more than 9% players participating in the voting and unanimously approved the new CBA terms.
Now, the approval from the league governors seals the terms of the seven-year CBA. The opt-out option is available for the players during the 2031 season.
WNBA Board of Governors unanimously voted to ratify the terms of the new CBA, per @alexaphilippou.
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) March 24, 2026
Under the terms of the new deal, there will be rewards for the best players, with the supermax salary coming in at $1.4m. The salary cap for each team this coming season will be $7m, up from $1.5m in 2025.
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WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said, “This marks the beginning of a bold new era of the WNBA – one made possible by the passion and dedication of the players, team owners, fans, investors, partners and the entire WNBA family. We remain focused on building on the unprecedented momentum around the league and preparing for our milestone 30th season, tipping off in May.”
The written draft for the final signing will be ready with the lawyers on both sides having completed writing up the long form of the new agreement.
WNBA In Process To Start the 2026 Season On time.
Right after the announcement of the 2026 season date, the franchises stated booing their venues and their travel plans for the entire season. Moreover, the broadcasters like NBC dropped their schedules for the season. While fans reacted to NBC’s new 2026 broadcast schedule at the time, the possibility of getting the season tip-off on time is high now.
The league proposed April 1 to April 8 as the expansion draft dates, while franchises will sign free agents from April 8 to April 14. Meanwhile, the WNBA draft date is April 13, with all targeting May 8 as the start of the new season.