The WNBA and its players have agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement aiming to increase players’ salaries and improve the league financially overall. 

With the rise of women’s sports over the past few years, questions have arisen about pay for the athletes. The new CBA for the WNBA will increase players’ salaries, paying the players what they deserve. 

This is the sixth CBA in league history and definitely offers a historic jump in pay for these players.

The salary cap will start at $7 million, which is up from $1.5 million in 2025, showing a huge jump. Also, the average salary will be around $600,000, while last year it was $120,000, according to ESPN. 

Veteran players will especially be impacted by this agreement. A’ja Wilson, who is going into her eighth season, is expected to see her salary go from $200,000 to $1.4 million. 

The projected 2026 number one pick in the draft, Azzi Fudd from UConn, is expecting to come into the WNBA on a $500,000 salary.

This new CBA agreement also comes with new benefits for the players and the organization itself. Improving facilities and aspects to help prioritize health and wellness are two of the main benefits for players. 

Bigger awards for performances are also a positive, including bigger trophies or cash prizes for honors like league MVP and all-WNBA first and second teams. 

Overall, this CBA agreement has been what the players and league have been looking for to increase their popularity and give the players the benefits they deserve. Last year, during the WNBA All-Star game, the players had worn shirts reading “Pay Us What You Owe Us” to build awareness of their salary concerns.

Ultimately, the new CBA will provide higher pay, better benefits, and overall positive changes to the league. The WNBA is looking bright due to this agreement, and the league hopes to continue to grow.