The WNBA could be on the verge of one of the most dramatic financial shifts in league history — with reports suggesting players are nearing a 500% pay increase in the latest Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations. If finalized, this deal would mark a defining moment not only for women’s basketball but for women’s sports across the board.

Sources close to the talks claim the new proposal, spearheaded by the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) and league commissioner Cathy Engelbert, is designed to completely redefine how athletes are compensated — aligning salaries, bonuses, and revenue sharing with the WNBA’s explosive recent growth.

The discussions reportedly began in earnest following the 2024 season, but momentum skyrocketed after the arrival of Caitlin Clark, whose record-breaking rookie year transformed the league’s visibility, attendance, and TV ratings. With Clark drawing millions of new fans and selling out arenas nationwide, the league’s finances have never looked stronger — and players want their fair share.

“The players have leverage now,” one insider revealed. “The WNBA can’t ignore the numbers anymore. This isn’t the same league it was five years ago. The demand, the attention, and the revenue are all up — and the athletes are the reason why.”

Currently, the average WNBA salary sits around $120,000, with top stars earning roughly $250,000 — a far cry from the multi-million-dollar contracts of their NBA counterparts. But under the proposed CBA terms, player salaries could jump dramatically, with top-tier athletes potentially earning $1 million or more per season through salary restructuring and revenue-sharing mechanisms.

Even more groundbreaking is the idea of a revenue split model, similar to what the NBA and NFL use. This would see players receive a set percentage — potentially 50% — of all league-generated income, including media rights, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. That’s a massive shift from the WNBA’s current structure, where players receive a much smaller share of league profits.

The timing couldn’t be more critical. The WNBA’s TV ratings surged more than 300% during the 2024 season, with record-breaking viewership for games featuring Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Juju Watkins. Ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and social media engagement also hit historic highs. Corporate sponsorships from brands like Nike, State Farm, and Google have poured in — creating the financial conditions necessary to support higher player salaries.

But while optimism runs high among players, the negotiations haven’t been without tension. League executives are reportedly cautious about moving too fast, fearing that unsustainable spending could hurt long-term growth. Some owners argue that despite record ratings, the league still operates at a net loss and needs to focus on stability before massive salary hikes.

A’ja Wilson, one of the WNBPA’s most vocal leaders, recently spoke about the issue in an interview. “We’re not asking for NBA money. We’re asking for WNBA respect,” she said. “We’ve proven that women’s basketball can be profitable, marketable, and exciting. Now it’s time for that to reflect in our paychecks.”

Wilson’s comments resonated across the league — especially among young stars like Caitlin Clark, who has already changed the business side of the sport. Despite making roughly $76,000 in her rookie season, Clark’s market impact is worth millions. She single-handedly boosted attendance and viewership for nearly every team she faced, generating untold revenue for the league.

Even NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has weighed in, acknowledging that “the WNBA has entered a new era.” While Silver’s role is primarily advisory, his comments have fueled speculation that the NBA may increase its financial support to help underwrite the CBA adjustments.

Another major aspect of the talks involves travel and benefits. Players have long voiced frustration about commercial flights, limited charter options, and subpar accommodations compared to men’s leagues. The new CBA reportedly includes provisions for full-time charter flights for all teams, enhanced maternity leave, and expanded healthcare coverage — all of which players have demanded for years.

“This isn’t just about money,” said one veteran player. “It’s about respect. It’s about treating us like professionals who are building something historic.”

The WNBPA’s negotiating team, led by Nneka Ogwumike, has taken an aggressive but strategic approach. Their goal isn’t only to raise salaries but to create a sustainable business model that allows future generations of athletes to thrive. Insiders say Ogwumike and Engelbert have been in “productive but firm” discussions about the details — especially regarding how league profits will be calculated and distributed.

Interestingly, part of the pressure for higher pay is also coming from international markets. Many WNBA players spend their offseasons overseas, particularly in Europe and Asia, where they earn far higher salaries — sometimes over $1 million per season.

That system has long been criticized as dangerous and unsustainable, especially after the Brittney Griner incident in Russia. A dramatic WNBA pay increase could finally eliminate the need for players to risk playing abroad.

The league’s new media rights deal, which is expected to be announced soon, could be the key to making all of this possible. Industry experts predict the WNBA’s next broadcast contract could exceed $200 million annually, nearly quadruple the current agreement. That influx of cash would provide the foundation for a new pay structure — and ensure the league remains competitive in a rapidly evolving sports market.

However, some analysts warn that such a drastic pay increase could create friction between star players and role players. With a few elite athletes commanding million-dollar deals, others may find themselves squeezed in a league with limited roster spots and salary cap restrictions. The WNBPA is reportedly working on a tiered pay structure that balances star value with equity and fairness.

Public sentiment, though, is overwhelmingly in favor of the players. Social media has been flooded with hashtags like #PayTheWomen and #WNBARevolution, with fans demanding the league reward its athletes for their growing global influence.

If the 500% pay rise deal becomes reality, it would be the most transformative moment in WNBA history — symbolizing a shift from survival to dominance. The players who fought for fair treatment through decades of low pay and limited exposure would finally reap the rewards of their persistence.

As one insider put it: “This isn’t just a raise — it’s a statement. The WNBA is done being treated like a sideshow. It’s time for the women who built this league to get what they deserve.”

Negotiations are expected to conclude before the 2026 season, and all signs point to a new era of empowerment, equality, and financial freedom for WNBA players. Whether it’s a 500% increase or something close to it, one thing is certain — the game will never be the same again.