The WNBA and the WNBPA (players union) are still finalizing details on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement with negotiations ongoing to Nov. 30. And it appears that player salary increases will more than double assuming the numbers stay exactly the way they have been initially proposed.
According to reports from ESPN and the Associated Press, the WNBA has proposed to the WNBA that the minimum player salary starting in 2026 be $220,000 while the average player salary is $460,000. Maximum player salaries are proposed to be over $1.1 million.
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This is huge, because the current minimum is $66,079 and the maximum is $249,244. Basically, a minimum salary player in 2026 would start at a level almost as high as the 2025 supermax.
While these numbers would be huge wins for the WNBA, the players are still demanding revenue sharing with the WNBA. Also, owners want to keep prioritization rules (stipulations that require WNBA players to show up to camp on time or be suspended) intact in light of the salary increases. The WNBA hasn’t demanded that players play exclusively for the WNBA, however.
It is unclear whether team roster sizes will increase from 11-12 players, which is something the players union wants. However, the league wants more expansion. Two new teams: the Toronto Tempo and the second iteration of the Portland Fire will begin play so there will be more player spots by default.
My feeling is that the WNBA and the WNBPA are closer to a deal than not. Given these salary increases, I’m sure there will be plenty of movement when free agency opens. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
