The WNBA board of governors unanimously ratified a seven-year CBA with players, covering the 2026 through 2032 seasons and marking a landmark labor deal for the league.

Players also unanimously approved the CBA, signaling broad consensus between players and owners ahead of the league’s 30th season tipping off in May.

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert framed the agreement as opening a bold new era for the WNBA, aiming to capitalize on momentum with fans, partners, and investors.

After ratification, lawyers will finalize the long-form agreement as the league moves toward a May 8 regular-season start and adds an expansion draft for Toronto and Portland, with protections and draft mechanics still being finalized.

The CBA sets a minimum team salary of 270,000 dollars, a supermax of 1.4 million, and a league salary cap of 7 million for the coming season, up from 1.5 million in 2025.

The 2026 season calendar features an April 13 college draft in New York and an April 19 start to training camps, with limited prep time amid expansion and free-agent activity.

Free agency is expected to be highly active, with more than 80% of players currently free agents as many deals expire, leaving only two veteran players not under rookie contracts.