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The WNBA has reportedly presented a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) proposal to the players’ association, aiming to finalize the deal by the end of November. If approved, this agreement would bring unprecedented salary increases for players and introduce revenue-sharing opportunities never before seen in the league’s 29-year history.
The teams have just 10 days to reach an agreement before the current 2020 CBA expires, risking a work stoppage just as the league experiences significant financial growth over the past decade. This surge is partly driven by emerging stars like Paige Bakkers, Angel Reese, and Kaitlyn Clark, who have joined the league within the last two seasons.
Kaitlyn Clark, selected first overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 draft, has attracted millions of new viewers to the WNBA. Already a two-time All-Star, Clark has secured lucrative sponsorship deals that have made her a millionaire, even before turning professional, thanks to her record-breaking college career at the University of Iowa.
Despite her commercial success, Clark’s current WNBA salary is modest compared to her earnings from endorsements. Two years into her league-mandated four-year rookie deal, she has earned about $154,000, with scheduled salaries of $183,455 for 2026 and 2027. She is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
The proposed CBA would raise the league’s maximum annual salary to at least $1.1 million starting in 2026, with future increases tied to league revenue growth. When Clark negotiates her next contract with the Fever, she would be guaranteed to earn a minimum of $1.1 million per season—a substantial leap that marks just the beginning of a new era for players’ compensation.
Fan Take: This development is huge for WNBA fans because it signals a major step forward in the league’s financial commitment to its players, recognizing their impact on the game’s growth. Bigger salaries and revenue-sharing opportunities could attract and retain top talent, driving even greater competitiveness and visibility for the sport in the years ahead.
