Now with a new collective bargaining agreement in place, the WNBA is set to tip off its 30th season on schedule Friday, May 8. Training camps, considered the shortest preparation period in professional sports, opened Sunday.
“It’s gonna go quick, each day, work to get better, and that’s what we got to do,” Minnesota Lynx Assistant Coach Lindsay Whalen told the Spokesman-Recorder last week.
The new seven-year CBA, which runs from the 2026 season through 2032, is being hailed as one of the most transformational labor agreements in major professional sports history. The WNBPA negotiating committee was led by two Black women, Executive Director Terri Carmichael Jackson and Union President Nneka Ogwumike.
Among the provisions secured: two development player roster spots, increased mental health benefits, new minimum and supermax salaries, and a 20% share of gross revenue. The agreement also includes a one-time recognition payment for WNBA veterans and retired players based on years of service: $100,000 for retirees with 12 or more years of service, $50,000 for those with eight to 11 years, and $30,000 for those with five to seven years.
Whalen, who played 14 seasons (2004-2018) with Connecticut and Minnesota, qualifies for the one-time payment.
“It was definitely transformational,” she said. “I really appreciate Phee (Napheesa Collier, a WNBPA vice president), Nneka, Alysha Clark and everybody on the committee for being able to give back a little bit to some of the older ones. Definitely grateful for them and just really excited for this group of players to have the resources and financial stability moving forward.”
An unprecedented six-day free agency period began April 6, with signings commencing April 11. For the first time in league history, free agents commanded six-figure salaries and star players signed million-dollar contracts, all made possible by the new CBA. Every player, from rookies to longtime veterans, will see a significant pay increase.
Two expansion teams, Toronto and Portland, also enter the league this season.
“Season 30 arrives at what I think is the perfect moment,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told reporters during her April 13 pre-draft press conference in New York City. “The past 30 years have been about building the foundation. The next 30 are about scaling the game, unlocking what’s possible for the entirety of women’s basketball and women’s sports.”
This season also marks this columnist’s 30th year covering America’s longest-running women’s professional sports league, and his 27th year covering the Lynx as the area’s longest-tenured beat writer.
Lynx rookie Miles ready to make her mark on and off the court
At her introductory press conference last Wednesday, 2026 Minnesota Lynx top pick Olivia Miles was asked how she sees herself fitting in with an organization that has been a standard-bearer for social and racial justice both locally and nationally.
“I’m excited to join a franchise and a culture that aligns with me and my beliefs and gives me a platform to spread whatever message I want to spread,” responded the 5-10 guard, a three-time All-American and multiple National Player of the Year honoree. Miles led the nation in triple-doubles (6) and became the first NCAA player to average at least 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists and 1.5 steals per game.
“I can’t wait to meet the people in the communities who will actually be impacted by me and my presence here,” added Miles, the second overall pick in the April 13 WNBA Draft. “This platform only allows me to emphasize that message and get it across to a lot of different audiences.”
Whalen said she is looking forward to working with the rookie.
“It’s gonna be a lot of fun to just work with her, get to know her, and to have somebody with that type of passion, it is going to be a lot of fun to have her on the team.”
Finally: Timberwolves face Denver with questions unanswered
The Minnesota-Denver first-round playoff series got underway last weekend in Denver, with Game 3 set for Minneapolis on Thursday.
ESPN NBA analyst Danny Green previewed the series April 17 on a media conference call. When asked which matchup to watch, Green zeroed in on the Wolves.
“Everybody is talking about the Minnesota-Denver series,” Green said. “To me, Minnesota hasn’t played really good basketball as a group. They seem like they’re not hitting their stride at the right time.”
Charles Hallman welcomes reader responses at challman@spokesman-recorder.com.