WNBA, union reach verbal agreement on new CBA

What’s Happening

Here’s the thing: After a prolonged labor battle, the WNBA and players’ union have reached a verbal agreement on the terms for a new CBA.

WNBA, players’ union reach verbal agreement on new CBA terms play Stephen A. ‘s message to the WNBA: ‘Get a deal done! (and honestly, same)

Smith sides with the players as the WNBA and its players’ union remain at odds over a new CBA.

The Details

(2:07) Alexa Philippou Mar 18, 2026, 03:07 AM ET Close Covers women’s college basketball and the WNBA before covered UConn and the WNBA Connecticut Sun for the Hartford Courant Stanford graduate and Baltimore native with further experience at the Dallas Morning News, Seattle Times and Cincinnati Enquirer Follow on X Multiple Authors Email Print Open Extended Reactions NEW YORK — After a prolonged labor battle, the WNBA and Women’s National Basketball Players Association reached a verbal agreement on the terms of a new collective bargaining agreement early Wednesday, just 51 days before the league’s 30th season is set to tip off. “The progress made in these discussions marks a transformative step forward for players and the league,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert told reporters shortly before 3 a.

ET, “and it’s underscoring a d commitment to the continued growth of the game. “It’s [been] a process, but we’re proud to be leading in women’s sports, and these players are insane, and we’re going to have an insane 30th season tipping off in May.

Why This Matters

” Engelbert, WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson and four members of the WNBPA executive committee — president Nneka Ogwumike , vice presidents Breanna Stewart and Alysha Clark and treasurer Brianna Turner — d the news with reporters in the lob Langham hotel in midtown Manhattan, where they began their 100-plus hours of marathon bargaining sessions a week prior. Editor’s Picks WNBA CBA negotiations: At last, WNBA and union ‘aligned’ on new CBA Alexa Philippou “I think this can be summed up in two words: player empowerment …

The sports world never stops delivering these kinds of storylines.

The Bottom Line

This story is still developing, and we’ll keep you updated as more info drops.

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