WNBA teams prepare for seismic shift in 2026 with possible new CBA, media rights deals coming

The WNBA is “nearing a perfect storm” heading into 2026 as interest “reaches new heights” and a new media rights deal is “expected to provide an influx of cash that will alter league finances significantly,” according to Kareem Copeland of the WASHINGTON POST. In turn, the players are “expected to opt out” of the CBA, in which case it would expire after the 2025 season. The salary cap and player salaries “should increase substantially” under the next agreement, and players have been “preparing for this in recent years by signing short-term contracts.” Copeland notes “well over 100 players” could be on the market, “including every veteran star,” in a league that also will feature two expansion teams, Golden State and Toronto. Mercury GM Nick U’Ren said, “It’s going to be like a fantasy football draft.” Liberty GM Jonathan Kolb said, “From a team side, we’re all very much aware that you’re going to have a lot of the league that’s free to choose where they want to play basketball.” WNBPA Dir of Operations Terri Jackson said that WNBA players are “laser focused” on specific salaries. Jackson said, “Many [players] crafted their contracts to give them greater opportunity to renegotiate something that is more appropriate and closer to their value." Front offices are “trying to plan for an unknown future” with contending teams “maneuvering to win a championship immediately with the understanding their rosters could be dismantled through free agency in two years.” Multiple GMs said that part of the strategy is making their organization “as attractive as possible for free agents and players already on the roster.” Game day and practice facilities will be a “significant selling point,” and teams are “looking to address them as such” (WASHINGTON POST, 6/26).