The Current A "generational” deal for WNBA players
Mar 26, 2026
Savanna Hamilton, sports journalist and host of Cinderella Stories Podcast, breaks down the WNBA's landmark collective bargaining agreement. She discusses the life-changing salary boosts, how negotiations unfolded, the rise of million-dollar players, and the impact of big media and revenue-share deals. She also highlights how this deal could reshape women's sports globally and the excitement around a new Toronto team.
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Deal Is Generational For Players
- The new WNBA CBA is generational and will reshape players' long-term financial futures.
- Savanna Hamilton highlights the deal came after players opted out and long, intense negotiations that forced the league to listen.
Pressure Negotiations By Opting Out And Showing Unity
- Use sustained public pressure to shift negotiations when talks stall.
- Players wore 'pay us what you owe us' shirts and opted out of the contract, forcing renewed, week-long bargaining sessions.
Average Salaries Will Multiply
- Salaries will jump dramatically with average pay moving from about $120–$140k to roughly $600k.
- Hamilton points to a $2.2 billion media rights deal and sponsors as concrete revenue that justifies much higher player pay.