The wait is over, and the future of the WNBA just got a whole lot brighter. After more than 17 months of negotiations, the league and its players have struck a tentative deal on a historic new collective bargaining agreement, ushering in a transformative era for women's professional basketball.
A Financial Leap Forward
This isn't just a new contract; it's a seismic shift. The agreement, pending final ratification, will catapult the league's financial landscape. The salary cap is set to skyrocket to $7 million, a monumental jump from the previous $1.5 million. Even more eye-popping are the player salaries: the average annual compensation will rise to approximately $600,000, with the league's supermax contracts starting at a staggering $1.4 million. For context, the average salary was around $120,000 last year, and the previous supermax hovered near $250,000.
Perhaps the most groundbreaking element is the revenue-sharing model. For the first time, player salaries will be directly tied to a meaningful share of league revenue, reported to be around 20% throughout the life of the deal. This creates a direct partnership in the WNBA's growth, a point that clearly resonated with stars across the league.
Angel Reese's Excited Reaction
Chicago Sky forward and two-time All-Star Angel Reese wasted no time sharing her excitement. Taking to social media platform X, Reese posted a simple but powerful message: "YEAR 3 LOADING…." The post sent her fans into a frenzy, with replies flooding in celebrating the uninterrupted season and her promising future. Comments ranged from "Let's cook" to predictions that her third professional year would be her best yet, showcasing the vibrant connection between the league's rising stars and their supporters.
Reese's focus on her upcoming season comes amid her continued ascent in the league, a journey that has often been highlighted alongside her dynamic relationship with fellow star Caitlin Clark. While their on-court rivalry has captivated fans, moments of unity, like those seen with Team USA, underscore the collective player strength that made this CBA victory possible.
Players "Standing on Business"
The sentiment from the Women's National Basketball Players Association leadership was one of triumph and empowerment. Executive Director Terri Carmichael Jackson summed up the negotiations in two words: "player empowerment."
"Players coming to the table and standing on business and being reminded of the collective voice and of what it means to be in a union and the power of this union," Jackson stated. "They never forgot it, and they have taken it, like they always do, to the next level."
WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike echoed that pride, emphasizing the players' resolve. "We're just really grateful to be able to come to a deal," Ogwumike said. "We're proud of ourselves. And quite frankly, we always told you all we were going to stand on business, and that's what this looks like." She highlighted the deal's core achievement: tying salaries to a significant revenue share to drive "exponential growth" in compensation and improve standards across facilities, staffing, and player support.
What Comes Next
While the agreement is in principle, the process isn't quite finished. The deal will become official once a formal term sheet is finalized and ratified by both the players and the league's board of governors. However, the overwhelming positive reaction suggests a smooth path ahead.
With the major business hurdle cleared, the basketball world can now fully turn its attention to the imminent on-court action. The WNBA Draft is set for April 13, followed by the start of the regular season just 51 days from now. The league is poised to capitalize on its massive surge in popularity, with stars like Reese leading the charge into this lucrative new chapter. This deal ensures that the players who are driving the WNBA's unprecedented growth will now rightfully share in its rewards, setting the stage for the most competitive and compelling seasons yet.
