The voice of a legend carries weight, and when Diana Taurasi speaks about the state of the WNBA, the entire basketball world listens. Fresh off her final Olympic triumph, the recently retired Phoenix Mercury superstar has turned her attention to the league's future, offering her immediate reaction to a landmark new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) reached this week.
After months of negotiation following the 2025 season, the WNBA and its players' union have verbally agreed to a new deal. The financial landscape is set for a dramatic shift, with the 2026 salary cap rising to $7 million. Star players can now earn a supermax salary starting at $1.4 million, while the average player salary is projected to jump to approximately $600,000.
For Taurasi, whose legendary career spanned the evolution of the league, this isn't just about numbers on a contract. It's about legacy and progress. "The WNBA has gone through a long journey over the last 30 years," Taurasi told The Spun. "There's a lot of hard work, grit, perseverance and determination. This is just another milestone for women's sports. It's nice to see the WNBA in a better place than where you left it."
Her words underscore a sentiment felt by many pioneers who built the league from the ground up. Taurasi's own resume—three WNBA championships, 11 All-Star selections, and a record six Olympic gold medals—makes her endorsement of the new CBA particularly powerful. It signals that the sacrifices of past generations are paving the way for a more prosperous future.
This historic agreement comes at a pivotal time for the league, which continues to experience unprecedented growth in popularity and visibility. The timing ensures stability as the 2026 season approaches. Free agency is scheduled to begin on April 7, with signings becoming official on April 12. The WNBA Draft will follow on April 13, and the regular season is still on track to tip off on May 8.
The financial commitment reflected in the new CBA is a direct investment in the athletes who drive the game's excitement. It promises to enhance player retention, attract even more global talent, and elevate the overall product on the court. As one legend steps off the court, the league ensures the next generation has a stronger foundation upon which to build. This kind of forward-thinking deal is what allows sports institutions to thrive for decades.
It's a reminder that progress in sports often comes from collective effort and tough negotiations, much like the legendary stands taken by figures in other sports. While we celebrate this win for the WNBA, we're also reminded of the enduring impact of sports icons across all disciplines, from the unforgettable moments created by WNBA legends to the philanthropic leadership shown by giants like Shaquille O'Neal.
While the final details are being formalized, the consensus from one of the game's greatest players is clear: this is a monumental step. The WNBA's journey, marked by the grit Taurasi mentioned, continues upward. For fans, the 2026 season now carries an extra layer of significance—it will be the first played under an agreement that honors the league's past while aggressively investing in its future. The excitement is just beginning.
