WNBA players celebrate news of new CBA deal

Correction: A previous version of this story had an incorrect attribution to Alysha Clark's quote. This story was also updated to include art of Clark.

The WNBA and its players union have finally reached common ground on a new collective bargaining agreement. Although terms still need to be finalized and ratified, it's clear there will be no labor disruption to the upcoming 2026 WNBA season.

League commissioner Cathy Engelbert has confirmed the season will start on time on May 8, with training camp beginning on April 19. 

For women's basketball fans, players and executives, it's cause for celebration.

"We just had some congratulations with each other," Engelbert said in a statement. "It's been, obviously, a process, but we're very proud to be leading women’s sports. These players are amazing, and we're going to have an amazing 30th season tipping off in May."

WNBA players react to new CBA agreement

Washington Mystics forward and WNBPA vice president Alysha Clark: "Speaking from experience, players like me are going to be the ones that I think feel it the most, and that's what I think we're all super proud of, because that's what we set out from the beginning, was making sure every player felt the change in the CBA, and that's exactly what has happened."

New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart, via ESPN: "The deal is going to be transformational. It's going to build and help create a system where everybody is getting exactly what they deserve and more, from on-the-court and off-the-court aspects. Just excited that we can tell our fans that we're going to be back."

Indiana Fever forward Brianna Turner, on X: "I truly didn’t recognize the dedication and time it takes to build relationships and truly listen to the needs and wants of union members. This process was so eye-opening to me, (and) it’s been a true honor to help advocate for the past, present, and future of the WNBA."

WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike of the Seattle Storm, in a statement issued on social media: "We've always believed that as this game grows, the players who power it must grow with it. That belief brought us together, not just for ourselves, but for those who build this league and those who will carry it forward ..."

Seattle Storm guard Lexie Brown, responding to Washington Mystics forward Alysha Clark on Threads: "And that's how you stand on business."

Former WNBA player Chiney Ogwumike (whose sister, Nneka Ogwumike is president of the WNBA players union), on Threads: "PROUD OF BIG SIS!!!!!! 😭✨❤️"

Seattle Storm guard Erica Wheeler, on Threads: "Alexa, play we gone be alright by Kendrick."

Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner, on Threads: "Let's hoop."

NWSL players' union releases statement

"The NWSL Players Association proudly congratulates the WNBPA on securing a transformative new Collective Bargaining Agreement – a landmark achievement that reflects what is possible when Players remain united, disciplined, and clear-eyed about the future they are building together.

"Their leadership did more than deliver gains for their own membership; it raised expectations throughout professional sport and strengthened the position of every players' union working to build something more equitable and long-lasting.

"The gains secured through months of negotiations will not be contained to one league. They will echo across women’s sports for years to come, reinforcing that each hard-fought win lifts the next group that follows – until the doors they forced open never close again."