WNBA and the union officially reach new collective bargaining agreement; A'ja Wilson to sign $1.4 million super-max contract.

On March 19 Beijing time, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told reporters in New York: We have reached agreement on the core terms of a new collective bargaining agreement. The WNBA and the Women's National Basketball Players Association held consecutive talks for eight days in Midtown Manhattan, with negotiations exceeding 100 hours. The two sides today reached a new collective bargaining agreement in principle, 51 days before the league's 30th season begins and 17 months after players opted out of the previous agreement.

ESPN reported on the new collective bargaining agreement: the salary cap will increase from $1.5 million in 2025 to $7 million, and the super-max salary will rise from $249,244 in 2025 to $1.4 million. The average player salary will reach approximately $600,000 (compared to $120,000 in 2025), and the minimum salary will exceed $300,000 (compared to $66,079 in 2025).

Sources stated that the average revenue share during the agreement period is close to 20%. The agreement still requires votes from players, the WNBA, and the NBA Board of Governors. Both sides had expressed early consensus on wanting to reach a "transformative" agreement.

The new collective bargaining agreement is expected to produce the league's first million-dollar annual salary player and for the first time link the salary system to revenue growth. Reports indicate that the Las Vegas Aces will promptly renew A'ja Wilson's contract with the new $1.4 million super-max salary. In recent years, WNBA ratings, attendance, and investment have reached historic levels, and this agreement will reflect the league's rapid growth and immense popularity.

Training camp is scheduled to begin on April 20, preseason games start on April 26, and the regular season opens on May 9.

"The progress made in these negotiations is a transformative step for both players and the league," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told reporters before 3 a.m., "and it also demonstrates our shared commitment to driving the continued growth of the sport."

"It was a long process, but we are incredibly proud to be leading women's sports. These players are exceptional, and we will have an amazing 30th anniversary season in May."

WNBA Players Association Executive Director Terri Jackson stated: "The players came to the negotiating table serious and pragmatic, and once again experienced the power of collective voice, the meaning of the union, and union strength. They never forgot that, and as always, elevated it to a new level."