WNBA changing possible end date to Nov. 21 under new CBA

Key Points:

• The new WNBA collective bargaining agreement (CBA) extends the latest possible season end date to November 21, with a potential extension to November 30 in 2028 due to the Olympics, marking the longest season in league history.
• Starting in 2027, the WNBA season will increase to up to 50 games, rising to 52 games by 2029, driven partly by league expansion to 18 teams by 2030.
• Player salaries will increase significantly, with minimum salaries starting at $270,000 and rising 4% annually, while rookie first-round picks' average Year 1 salary jumps to $386,000 in 2026, and the No. 1 pick's four-year salary exceeds $2.2 million.
• New facility and staffing standards require teams to provide enhanced practice and medical facilities, along with expanded medical and security staff, including two athletic trainers and two team physicians per team.
• Additional benefits include earlier player reporting dates, improved family and parental leave policies, expanded guaranteed contracts, and the establishment of committees on wearables and predraft requirements, reflecting a comprehensive enhancement of player welfare and league operations.