Historic Agreement in the WNBA: A Transformative New Collective Bargaining Agreement
After arduous negotiations, the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) have reached a verbal agreement on the terms of a new collective bargaining agreement. This important milestone was achieved in the early hours of Wednesday, just 51 days before the start of the league’s 30th season.Engelbert, along with WNBPA Executive Director Terri Carmichael Jackson and key members of the WNBPA executive committee, announced the news at a Manhattan hotel. This agreement represents a shared commitment to the continued growth of the sport. Terri Carmichael Jackson highlighted the importance of the agreement, underlining the empowerment of the players and the strength of their union.“The progress made in these discussions marks a transformative step for the players and the league,” stated WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner
Although the specific details of the agreement have not yet been fully disclosed, the formal agreement is expected to be finalized soon and ratified by both the players and the WNBA’s board of governors. This new agreement will be the sixth in the league’s history, succeeding the 1999, 2003, 2008, 2014, and 2020 agreements. Nneka Ogwumike, president of the WNBPA, expressed her gratitude for reaching this agreement and highlighted the players’ pride in their achievement.“This agreement is summed up in two words: player empowerment,” Jackson stated.
Terri Carmichael Jackson, executive director of the WNBPA
The agreement is expected to reflect the league’s growth and popularity, with an increase in viewership, attendance, and investment. For the first time in WNBA history, the salary system will be directly linked to revenue growth, and players are expected to be able to earn salaries of up to one million dollars. Breanna Stewart emphasized that the agreement will transform the league, ensuring that everyone receives what they deserve, both on and off the court. In a formal statement, Ogwumike acknowledged that the revenue-sharing system will drive “exponential” growth in the salary cap, increase average compensation, improve professional standards, and strengthen housing, retirement, and other benefits. Alysha Clark highlighted how the agreement will change the lives of many players, especially those who have dedicated themselves to the sport. Engelbert confirmed that the extended negotiations will not affect the 2026 season schedule. Training camp will begin on April 19, followed by preseason games on April 25 and the start of the regular season on May 8. The verbal agreement comes 17 months after the players chose not to renew their previous agreement and five months after the previous agreement initially expired, with conversations often turning contentious. After a week of intense in-person negotiations, both parties were able to celebrate together in their main meeting room, enjoying glasses of champagne to toast the present and the future. Engelbert called the agreement “a fair win for everyone”, while Jackson added: “Cathy and her team understood that the players’ victories were the league’s victories, and that our success stories are shared success stories, period.” Ogwumike concluded by saying that this agreement will benefit the next generation and will continue to drive the league’s growth over the next ten years.“We are proud of ourselves. We always said we were going to defend our interests, and this is what it represents,” Ogwumike commented.
Nneka Ogwumike, president of the WNBPA
