WNBA players briefed on a transformational 7-year CBA with a $7M 2026 salary cap
NEW YORK (AP) — WNBA players are having information sessions over the next day or two to learn more about the new collective bargaining agreement that was agreed to in principle early Wednesday morning. Through zoom calls and one-on-one conversations, the players are hearing about some of the details of the transformational new deal that will last for the next seven years with an opt-out after six, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Thursday on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the discussions.
Lawyers on both sides are finalizing the term sheet, which should be done in the next day or so. It will then get put to a vote of the players with a majority needed to ratify the CBA. The league’s Board of Governors will then need to approve the deal before it becomes official.
The deal came after the two sides spent the past eight days in intense in-person negotiations that lasted for more than 100 hours. They came to the agreement about 2:20 a. m.
Wednesday after spending more than 10 hours of discussions on Tuesday. “This is historical for women’s sports. I told Cathy it’s not just for the players that are entering the league or the players that aren’t already here,” union president Nneka Ogwumike said of her conversations with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
“We’re just really grateful to be able to come to a deal. We’re proud of ourselves. ” Here are a few key points from the CBA.