The WNBA and its players union have reached a historic labor agreement that could dramatically change the economics of women’s professional basketball — including average salaries expected to exceed $500,000 a year, a massive jump from previous seasons.
The deal, announced early Wednesday after more than a week of intense negotiations, still must be finalized and ratified by players and approved by the league’s Board of Governors. But both sides are already describing the agreement as “transformational.”
If finalized as expected, the agreement will take effect as the league enters its 30th season in 2026.
A Dramatic Jump in Salaries
For most of the WNBA’s history, even its biggest stars earned relatively modest salaries compared with other professional leagues.
Last season:
- The average WNBA salary was about $102,000
- The minimum salary was around $66,000
- The maximum salary was about $249,000
Under the new deal, union leaders say the average salary will climb above $500,000, and the league could soon see its first million-dollar players.
Those increases are tied to a new system that links player pay more directly to league revenue — a key demand from players during negotiations.
“For the first time player salaries are tied to a truly meaningful share of league revenue,” WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike said when the deal was announced.
The change represents roughly a four-to-five-fold increase in average compensation.
Revenue Sharing Was the Biggest Fight
Revenue sharing — how much of the league’s income goes to players — was the central issue in negotiations.
Players argued that the WNBA’s recent surge in popularity, television viewership and investment should translate into significantly higher pay.
The union initially pushed for a much larger share of league revenue, similar to the model used in the NBA where players receive about 50% of basketball-related income.
The final deal is believed to give players a larger percentage than before, though still less than the NBA’s split. Exact numbers are expected to be released once the full contract is finalized.
Even so, the shift marks the first time WNBA salaries will be tied closely to league revenue growth.
Fixing Long-Standing Complaints About Housing
Housing was another major issue raised by players.
For years, many WNBA athletes had to find and pay for their own apartments during the season, sometimes maintaining housing in two cities — their home base and the city where their team played.
Players pushed for guaranteed housing or a standard housing stipend across the league.
The new agreement is expected to provide league-supported housing benefits, helping eliminate one of the most frequently criticized conditions for WNBA players.
Travel Conditions Also Improving
Travel has long been another sore point.
Unlike the NBA — where teams fly on charter aircraft — WNBA players historically traveled on commercial flights, often dealing with long connections, delays and tight travel schedules during the season.
The league began introducing full charter flights in 2024, and the new labor deal is expected to make those travel improvements permanent.
Players have said the change is critical not just for comfort but also for health, safety and recovery during the season.
Still Far Behind NBA Salaries
Even with the massive pay increase, the WNBA will remain far behind the NBA financially.
In the NBA:
- The average salary exceeds $9 million
- Maximum contracts can reach more than $50 million per year
That means NBA players still earn roughly 15 to 20 times more than WNBA players on average.
But WNBA leaders say the new agreement reflects the league’s rapid growth and provides a structure that allows salaries to rise as revenues increase.
“This is historical for women’s sports,” union vice president Breanna Stewart said.
A Frantic Offseason Ahead
Now that the labor agreement is in place, the league faces an unusually compressed offseason.
Before the season opens May 8, the WNBA must complete several major milestones:
- Ratify the new collective bargaining agreement
- Hold an expansion draft for new teams in Toronto and Portland
- Open what could be the largest free-agency period in league history
- Conduct the WNBA draft on April 13
- Begin training camps April 19
Because many players signed short contracts anticipating the new pay structure, more than 80% of the league is expected to enter free agency, creating one of the most active offseasons the sport has seen.
After months of tense negotiations, players say the agreement represents more than just higher salaries.
“I hope young girls and women see this and know their voice matters,” WNBA player Brianna Turner said. “They don’t have to settle for less.”