WNBA's New CBA Promises Salary Boosts for 2026 Players
The WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement sets the stage for significant salary increases starting in 2026. Players across all levels will see historical gains in their earnings.
WNBA players recently addressed numerous issues in their new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), with salary being a key point of focus. The league is poised to implement historic salary increases for players beginning in 2026.
The WNBA board of governors unanimously approved the new seven-year CBA on Tuesday, following a similar vote from the players. Meanwhile, general managers are already busy preparing for the upcoming season, as the expansion drafts for new teams in Toronto and Portland are scheduled for April 6, followed by a significant free agency period starting April 7 and the collegiate/overseas draft on April 13.
With the specifics of the salary structure now clearer, we can examine the anticipated salaries for players of varying experience levels for the 2026 season. The salary cap is set to increase to $7 million per team, a substantial rise from $1.5 million in 2025.
For instance, A'ja Wilson, a 6-foot-4 center and standout player, is projected to earn $1.4 million in 2026, up from $200,000 in 2025. After winning her third WNBA title and fourth MVP award in 2025, Wilson is expected to sign a supermax deal with the Las Vegas Aces.
In contrast, Alanna Smith, a 6-4 forward, is anticipated to see her salary increase from $150,000 in 2025 to approximately $600,000 in 2026. Smith has established herself as a key player for the Minnesota Lynx, contributing significantly to their success over the past seasons.
Erica Wheeler, a 5-7 guard with a decade of experience, is projected to earn $300,000 in 2026, up from the veteran minimum of $78,831 last season. Her experience and dedication on the court have made her a valuable asset to her teams over the years.
Rookie Caitlin Clark, entering her third year in the league, is projected to earn around $530,000, an adjustment made possible by the new CBA which aims to improve rookie salaries. The new agreement also introduces a feature allowing players to renegotiate their rookie contracts based on performance.
Newcomer Azzi Fudd, a 5-11 guard, is expected to start her WNBA career with a salary of $500,000 after completing her final year in college. The 2026 rookie salary scale begins at this amount for the first pick, with subsequent picks earning slightly less.
The WNBA Draft is set for April 13, where the Dallas Wings hold the No. 1 pick. Fudd, along with Spain's Awa Fam and TCU's Olivia Miles, are projected to be among the top selections in the draft.