The 2026 WNBA season is now clear to begin soon, as the league and the WNBA players association (WNBPA) agreed to a tentative Collective Bargaining Agreement. Earlier, it was announced that March 10 will be the final deadline to complete the talks to avoid delaying the new season. However, the negotiations have taken a week longer than expected, and fans are in doubt about the new pre-season date.
Even though the WNBA and WNBPA haven’t officially revealed the details of the new agreement, the excitement and happiness among executive committee members and other leadership were apparent.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert termed the new deal “transformative” and also addressed the questions on the start of the new season. As per ESPN analyst Alexa Philippou:
“Engelbert said the extended negotiations avoided any impacts to the 2026 schedule. Training camp is set to open April 19, followed by preseason games beginning April 25 and the start of the regular season May 8.”
The players opted out of the earlier agreement 17 months back, and the two sides have been embroiled in constant back-and-forth since then. The league has yet to release any official statement on the delay, but the Commissioner’s statement has assured fans that there wouldn’t be any change in the 2026 WNBA season.
“We can tell our fans that we’re going to be back,” WNBA player and Executive Committee VP on new deal
Executive Committee Vice President Breanna Stewart, along with Kelsey Plum and other WNBA players, represented the voice of hoopers inside the conference room. She was also excited about the new era of women’s basketball and expressed her desire to be back among her fans. She said:
“This deal is going to be transformational. It’s going to build and help create a system where everybody is getting exactly what they deserve and more, from on the court and off the court aspects. Just excited that we can tell our fans that we’re going to be back.”
Players’ average salary is projected to jump a massive 250% to around $5.7 million per year from the earlier mark, $1.2 million. WNBA Commissioner termed it “a fair win-win for all” and is expected to open new doors for young players to join the league and not be worried about the financial aspect of it.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Reveals Truth Behind 12-Hour Marathon Meeting With Players Union
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