WNBA CBA Breakdown: Pay Equity, Travel & Media Rights
The WNBA is growing, but its Collective Bargaining Agreement, otherwise known as the CBA, reveals the challenges that remain on the path to equity, stability, and mainstream media respect. The current CBA, signed in 2020 and running through 2027, was a significant step forward, but players and fans alike are pushing for more progress, especially around pay, travel, and media visibility. Despite major gains, WNBA salaries still pale in comparison to their NBA counterparts. Under the current CBA, top players can earn just over $500,000, including bonuses and marketing deals, but the league’s average salary remains under $150,000. While it is a leap from prior years, the reality is that many players still head overseas in the offseason to supplement their income. Additionally, some players are opting to join offseason leagues like Unrivaled, a new U.S.-based competition, to earn extra income while avoiding the physical toll and distance of international travel.
Angel Reese has been one of the most vocal players during the ongoing compensation debate, saying, “We are prepared to stay at the negotiating table for as long as it takes.” Caitlin Clark, who recently joined the league and has already become a face of the WNBA, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We should be paid more … hopefully that’s the case moving forward, as the league continues to grow.” Even Clark's agent, Erin Kane, added, “Will Caitlin Clark ever be paid by the WNBA what she’s really worth to that league? I don’t think that’s possible.” These statements underscore a growing frustration among players who are advocating for compensation that matches their market value and league contributions. Progress has been made with the introduction of the WNBA “supermax” salary and league investment in off-court opportunities through the WNBA Changemakers program, but the league’s limited revenue pool continues to cap growth. The fight for revenue sharing, akin to the 50/50 split in the NBA, is still an ongoing conversation.
For years, one of the biggest pain points in the WNBA has been travel. Prior to recent updates, teams regularly flew commercial, which often led to delays, back-to-backs, and even missed games. In 2023, the league began subsidizing charter flights for postseason and certain back-to-back games, but it was not until 2024 that full-time charter flights were phased in for all teams, thanks to an influx of investment. Still, the inconsistency of amenities and resources available to players traveling across cities remains a talking point, especially when compared to their NBA peers or even top NCAA programs. These conditions not only affect performance but also contribute to burnout and long-term health risks.
Perhaps the biggest hurdle to mainstream equality is media exposure. Despite record ratings in 2024 and 2025, boosted by breakout stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, the league’s media rights deal is undervalued. Current deals with ESPN and CBS bring exposure but not the financial windfall needed to fuel league-wide salary increases and infrastructure. Clark expressed frustration about payout inconsistencies, stating, “It makes no sense. Someone tell WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to help us out,” referencing a bonus structure that saw Commissioner’s Cup payouts exceed that of winning the WNBA Finals. As media attention grows, aligning financial incentives with performance and visibility becomes even more crucial.
With a new media rights negotiation likely on the horizon before 2027, the WNBA’s next big leap could be securing a major rights deal that elevates all aspects of the game: pay, facilities, marketing, and global branding. The 2020 CBA was a landmark for the WNBA, but it is only the beginning. As more fans, media outlets, and corporate sponsors invest in women’s sports, pressure will continue to mount for pay that is more equitable, consistent travel standards, and real media investment. If the WNBA can leverage its current momentum into its next CBA, we could see the league finally break through the barriers that have held it back for decades. The voices of players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are not only shaping this conversation—they are leading it.
