A document drafted by the union and obtained by ESPN indicates that the WNBA is adjusting its ultimate potential conclusion date to November 21st under the fresh collective labor accord, which is almost a full month subsequent to the prior arrangement.
As stated in the document, the season might prolong until November 30th in 2028, due to the Olympic Games timetable. This marks the furthest point the WNBA season has ever been prolonged.
Commencing in 2027, the potential count of matches contested will augment to a maximum of 50, subsequently reaching 52 by the year 2029.
A segment of the broadened schedule can be ascribed to the league’s growth. Toronto and Portland are becoming members of the league this season, and by 2030, the league is projected to encompass a record 18 franchises.
Athletes will additionally be mandated to present themselves to their designated squads sooner. Pursuant to the fresh CBA, players are compelled to reach their home territories by whichever date is later: April 15th or the commencement of training camp. Heretofore, the designated reporting date was the later of May 1st or the start of camp.
The conclusion date in late November and the potentially earlier reporting deadline might both affect athletes who compete abroad during the off-season, including individuals contracted to Project B, slated to occur from November 2026 through April 2027. The forthcoming global five-on-five league has not disclosed the schedules for its inaugural and final competitions thus far; however, it will include a tour stop in Tokyo from March 26th to April 4th.
The ultimate permissible conclusion date in the previous CBA was October 31st, permitting a top limit of 44 contests. The initial permissible commencement date for the basketball schedule continues as April 1st, remaining unchanged.
The document moreover elucidated numerous additional matters at the core of the CBA discussions, which reached their peak last week when the WNBA and WNBPA orally consented to the conditions of an accord in the nascent hours of Wednesday morning.
The document furthermore stipulated that, via wages and perks, the athletes shall be granted 20% of the preceding year’s total income. The WNBPA and WNBA were in disagreement for a substantial portion of the deliberations regarding which model of income distribution to implement, with the union advocating for a total income system (earnings prior to subtracting expenditures) and the league suggesting a net one (earnings subsequent to subtracting expenditures).
Additional compensation figures have also been revealed: Base remunerations are determined by years of employment, commencing at $270,000 for no years of employment; $277,500 for one to three years; $285,000 for four to six years; $292,500 for seven to nine years; and $300,000 for 10 or more years. These sums escalate by 4% annually, as indicated by the document.
The subsequent tier beneath the supermax, earlier declared as $1.4 million in 2026, is the standard maximum, which for 2026 totals $1.19 million, equaling 17% of the ceiling ($7 million). This figure increases in conjunction with the salary cap.
As per the document, the mean initial-year remuneration for 2026 first-round selections will amount to $386,000, an increase from approximately $75,000 in 2025. Conversely, the novice-tier compensation for the top pick will exceed $2.2 million across four years, as reported by the document.
Furthermore, a revision in the new accord specifies that lottery selections shall obtain complete compensation safeguarding in their inaugural year, with unstated “extra compensation safeguarding chances accessible for other selections.” Prior to this, protection was only afforded if their fourth-year alternative was enacted.
On Tuesday, the CBA received approval from both the WNBPA and the league, obligating both parties to now finalize the comprehensive document.
In another section of the document, the fresh baseline requirements for training venues and squad personnel, a key concern for the athletes throughout discussions, were clearly set forth.
Regarding venues, teams are obligated to furnish lactation rooms and, commencing in 2027, must supply a family lounge at the squad’s home stadium.
Nevertheless, in 2028, particular stipulations exist for training centers, enumerated as: a changing area with ample washrooms, showers, and storage compartments for the sole utilization of the WNBA team; a WNBA-compliant basketball court accessible on a private and exclusive basis during its designated usage period; and a distinct weightlifting chamber and cardiovascular zone for private and exclusive use during its allotted time.
A distinct medical/therapy space equipped with requisite implements, accessible privately and exclusively during its scheduled period; additionally, a designated private, safe, and sanitary zone for dining.
Regarding personnel, teams are presently mandated to engage two sports therapists, two squad doctors, a single strength and conditioning specialist, a lone physical therapist, a solitary director of sports medicine, one massage therapist, and access to a nutritional expert. Heretofore, their sole obligation was to engage a sports therapist and a squad doctor. Squads are furthermore currently obligated to retain a minimum of one safety officer.
The league shall moreover form a combined WNBA/WNBPA committee concerning wearable technology; a voluntary initiative will run from 2026 to 2028, allowing athletes to utilize sanctioned wearable gadgets during matches. Subsequently, in 2028, the WNBA will be authorized to mandate their use “contingent on preparedness, as ascertained by the Joint Committee.” Athlete data will not be made accessible for utilization by a WNBA team during athlete contract discussions, as stated in the summary.
Furthermore, a committee will be established to formulate guidelines and regulations for novel pre-draft selection stipulations, encompassing a prospective combine, prior to the 2027 season.
Other highlights from the document:
Athletes entering into an accord as part of a sign-and-trade are henceforth prohibited from contracting for more than the conventional maximum compensation.
Appreciation remunerations for former athletes span from $30,000 for five to seven years of employment, $50,000 for eight to 11 years, up to $100,000 for 12 or more years. Furthermore, former athletes with four or more years will obtain up to a $1,200 yearly recompense for medical expenditures.
Squads are authorized to offer an increased number of guaranteed agreements, rising from six to seven (excluding novice-tier agreements).
Concerning the two newly created developmental athlete positions, qualified athletes must possess three years of employment, or four to five with a playing time restriction; they are eligible for activation in 12 contests.
The WNBPA shall oversee and regulate licensing privileges for adult uniforms, rather than the league, as formerly specified.
Squads are mandated to permit dependent offspring aged 13 or under (or older, at the discretion of the squad) to accompany the team and to furnish an additional lodging chamber.
A fortnight of compensated absence is now accessible for non-gestational parents; squads are authorized to grant beyond two weeks.