WNBA players set to enjoy significant salary boosts under new collective bargaining agreement.

The WNBA season is just around the corner, but excitement is brewing with the addition of new teams and significant changes to player salaries. The recent expansion drafts for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, along with the upcoming WNBA Draft, promise to reshape the league’s landscape. With enhanced financial opportunities under a new collective bargaining agreement, players are set to enjoy substantial pay increases.

Expansion Teams and Upcoming Draft

The WNBA recently completed the expansion drafts for its newest franchises, the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, on April 6. This marks a significant milestone as the league prepares for its next chapter. Free agency began the following day, paving the way for new talent to join the league. Fans eagerly anticipate the WNBA Draft scheduled for April 13, where standout players from the NCAA, including members of the champion UCLA Bruins, are expected to be selected.

Financial Gains for Players

This offseason has proven to be financially rewarding for WNBA players. Thanks to a new collective bargaining agreement, the salary cap for each team is set to rise dramatically from $1.5 million to $7 million. This adjustment aligns the league more closely with trends seen in the NBA, where player salaries often reflect years of experience.

Star players will have the opportunity to earn supermax contracts. For instance, A’ja Wilson, who was drafted by the Las Vegas Aces in 2018 and has averaged 21.4 points and 9.3 rebounds over her career, is now eligible for a supermax deal worth $1.4 million after earning $200,000 last season. The average salary for WNBA players is projected to rise to $583,000, compared to approximately $125,000 to $150,000 for many mid-tier veterans in the previous season. Moreover, the minimum salary is set to increase significantly to $270,000 for rookies, with potential for even higher earnings for veteran players.

Emerging stars, such as Caitlin Clark and Cameron Brink, who were the first and second picks in the upcoming draft, will also benefit from the restructured contracts. Their salaries are expected to rise from last season’s $78,066 to approximately $530,000 in the 2026 season due to adjustments reflecting their performance.

Additionally, the new collective bargaining agreement introduces the Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract (EPIC) program, allowing players who achieve All-WNBA honors or MVP recognition to sign three-year extensions before their fourth season. Clark is anticipated to qualify for this extension.

Incoming rookies will also enjoy better financial prospects. For instance, the top pick of this season is expected to earn $500,000 in her rookie year alone, a marked increase compared to last year’s first pick, Paige Bueckers, who signed a four-year contract worth $340,000.

As the WNBA continues to expand its reach and popularity, the financial landscape for players is transforming, promising even greater opportunities in the seasons to come.