BREAKING: WNBA Season set for May 8 after CBA negotiations

TYLER, Texas (TXAN 24) — The WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association have reached a major breakthrough just weeks before the start of the 2026 season.

Both sides have agreed in principle to a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) following months of negotiations and a series of marathon bargaining sessions in New York. The timing is critical, with the league’s 30th season set to tip off May 8, and the agreement all but eliminates the threat of a delay or labor stoppage.

While the full terms have not yet been released, early details point to a significant shift in revenue sharing, a key priority for players. The new framework is expected to better align player salaries with the league’s recent financial growth and rising national profile.

In addition to salary increases, the agreement is expected to include enhanced benefits, including improvements to housing, retirement plans, and family support policies such as parental leave. League and union officials have described the deal as “transformational,” signaling a new era for player compensation and working conditions.

Negotiations had grown increasingly tense in recent weeks as deadlines approached, raising concerns about potential disruptions to training camp and the regular season. However, the late agreement marks a turning point and preserves momentum for a league that continues to see increased visibility and fan engagement.

The deal still requires formal ratification and legal review before becoming official, but all signs indicate the 2026 season will proceed as scheduled.

If finalized, the agreement could reshape the financial future of the WNBA for years to come.