Last month, the WNBA and the WNBA Players Association announced they had reached a new CBA that would be in place for the next 7 seasons. The deal was agreed to unanimously by over 90 percent of the players participating.
According to Yahoo Sports, the agreement implements revenue sharing, increases players’ salaries, enhances player benefits, and projects player salaries of over $1 billion over the seven-year deal.
Salary Structure
The minimum salary has jumped from $66,000 to $270,000 in 2026, averaging $533,000 annually, with the super-max salary at $1.4 million. The salary cap for the 2026 WNBA season is $7 million and will increase to over $10 million at the conclusion of the deal, based on the league’s revenue. Azzi Fudd, who was the first pick by the Dallas Wings in the 2026 WNBA draft, will receive $500,000 over the course of the season. Players will also receive 20 percent of the league’s revenue starting this season.
“I’m not really sure I have words to describe that feeling what that meant,” Fudd said of getting drafted. “I don’t think it’s fully sunk in. It’s nothing I could have imagined. The feeling of sitting with my family, with [UConn assistant] Morgan [Valley], hearing your name called, go up there. Such a surreal feeling.”
According to NBC Sports, the second overall pick by the Minnesota Lynx, guard Olivia Miles, will get $466,913.
“Deep breath that’s why I got emotional,” Miles said of finishing her journey. “It’s finally here, finally heard my name. This is what this was for.”
The third overall pick by the Seattle Storm, forward Awa Fam, will receive $436,016.
“For me, this is the most special thing. And after seeing that my dream comes true, this is special. So a lot of emotion. But super excited, super happy,” said Thiam.
We have already seen a couple of players take advantage of the $1.4 super-max, such as A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Mitchell, and Napheesa Collier.
Per SI, the option is offered to eligible players; one must have five years of service and either All-WNBA first-or second-team honors or recent MVP/Defensive Player of the Year awards.
A’ja Wilson signed a three-year supermax worth $5 million to stay with the Las Vegas Aces.
“I love Vegas. I’m not leaving Vegas,” Wilson said. “I’m looking to win another one. I’m looking to defend a championship that we have in Las Vegas. I’m looking to get better as a leader, as a player. Everything else just kind of falls in line.”
Two days after the details of Wilson’s deal were announced, ESPN reported that the Indiana Fever signed Aliyah Boston to a four-year deal worth $6.3 million.
“I’m super blessed and grateful for this opportunity and to continue my journey here with the Fever. God is good!” Boston said. “I’m excited for the future ahead for both myself and for our team, and I can’t wait to keep building upon everything we have accomplished so far.”
Key Benefits of New CBA Deal
According to Swishappeal.com, key benefits of the league’s new CBA deal include housing for all players for the next two seasons and for players earning under $500k in 2029 & 2030. The league will also provide charter flights, increased rosters to 12, plus 2 developmental players, and family planning for adoption/surrogacy.
They have also included WNBA players who are pregnant, who need trade consent; bonuses, retirement, and mental health coverage go up significantly.
Season Additions And Retired Players’ Benefits
The NBA CBA has also addressed game expansion, with 44 games in 2026, 50 in 2027-2028, and 52 in 2029-2032. They will also be sending recognition payments to retired players, according to Swish Appeal.
5-7 years of service: $30,000
8-11 years of service: $50,000
12-plus years of service: $100,000
Players with at least 4 years of service will also be eligible for an annual health reimbursement of up to $1,200.
WNBA Endorsements And Partnerships Gained In 2026
After the signing of the New CBA agreement, seven-year veteran Sophie Cunningham has recently signed a one-year contract to stay with the Indiana Fever.
“We had a really special group last year and it was an incredible first season for me in Indy; I loved everything about my teammates and the Fever organization. We fought through a ton of adversity, and it was important to me that we have a chance to see through what we started,” Cunningham said. “I have a feeling this is going to be another special season, so I’m excited to get things started and to, of course, keep playing in front of the best fans in the WNBA. Let’s get spicy!”
Earlier this month, she announced that she would be joining the USA Network studio coverage as a contributing game analyst.
Cunningham’s key partnerships include Adidas, Arby’s, Ring home security, Sun Cruiser vodka iced tea, and SHARx prescription advocacy.
Reigning Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers and reigning league MVP A’ja Wilson landed partnerships with Secret and Olay.
“I grew up with Olay and Secret and always trusted their products to keep me fresh,” said four-time Kia WNBA MVP and three-time WNBA Champion A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces. “Partnering with them feels incredibly full circle. Whether I’m competing at the highest level or moving through my everyday life, they help me feel confident and comfortable in my own skin.”
Wilson endorsements include Nike, Ruffles, Mountain Dew, Buffalo Wild Wings, AT&T, Panini America (trading cards), Lego, Burnt Wax Candle Company, Quest Nutrition, JPMorgan Chase, and Gatorade.
“As an athlete, I’m constantly training – moving, sweating and pushing my limits,” notes Paige Bueckers, the 2025 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year of the Dallas Wings. “That’s why partnering with Secret and Olay Body felt like a natural fit. They understand that products have to perform under pressure, and this new collection shows they’re built to keep up with the intensity of my day.”
Paige Bueckers endorsements include Nike, DoorDash, Carmax, Taco Bell, Oreo, Dunkin’ Donuts, Gatorade, Ally Financial, Fanatics, CeraVe, Panini America, Verizon, Bose, and Epic Games.
She spoke with LandonBuford.com last season about wanting a partnership with a car company and a real estate company.
“I ‘d like to have a car dealership partnership, so I don’t have to pay for a car,” said Bueckers. Her comments would prompt Subaru to react on social media with the message, “Have your people call our people.”
Bueckers, would later respond at her Wings’ exit interview alongside teammate Maddy Siegrist.
“You Gotta include my teammates. Everybody gets a car,” said Bueckers.
The Wings just landed team endorsements with CVS to be their official patch partner and GEICO; maybe they can strike a deal with Subaru in the future as well.
“At GEICO, we believe investing in women’s sports is good for business, and we are committed to showing up meaningfully by supporting athletes and helping tell the stories that matter to their fans and communities,” said GEICO Chief Marketing Officer Arianna Orpello. “Women drive the majority of insurance decisions, which makes women’s sports an important place for us to show up authentically. As we mark nearly 90 years since our founding in Fort Worth and continue expanding our North Texas footprint, this partnership with the Dallas Wings reflects our commitment to investing for the long-term in the communities we serve.”
New CBA Agreement Now Gives WNBA Players Confidence To Part Ways On Endorsement Deals
It was announced that two-time WNBA champion and Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum parted ways with longtime shoe endorser Under Armour on Tuesday. Plum has been with the company since 2022.
“We appreciate the partnership we’ve had with Kelsey and everything she’s contributed,” Under Armour said in a statement. “As we sharpen our focus and build for what’s next, we’re moving in different directions. We wish her the best.”
Earlier this year, the company released the following statement to Front Office Sports,
“We were recently made aware of an issue impacting Kelsey’s training and performance. We are working closely with her and her team on a solution to support her needs.”
Plum is the second high-profile athlete to depart the shoe company, following Steph Curry, who announced his departure. After failing to land Fever All-Star Caitlin Clark, who signed with Nike Inc, according to Yahoo Sports.
Plum was seen wearing Adidas, possibly from Damian Lillard‘s shoe line, while playing in the Unrivaled, which teases a potential endorsement deal in the future, according to Reddit. We will have to keep an eye out for any future announcements. Following the new CBA agreement, players such as Plum now have leverage to be more strategic in their partnerships moving forward.
Plum’s endorsements include Google Pixel, LegalZoom, Kingmakers Cigars, Skims, and Target.