NBA star Kevin Durant couldn’t be happier for the current crop of WNBA stars. After reportedly reaching a transformational deal with the players’ union, WNBA players will see massive increases in pay and advanced salaries. While speaking with the media, Durant expressed his excitement about the new agreement.
Kevin Durant ‘So Glad’ WNBA Players Will Have A Season After Reaching New Deal
Durant, a longtime supporter of the WNBA, opened up about how much he was looking forward to the upcoming WNBA season.
“I know it was a stressful time for W fans, W players, executives, and everybody in W,” he said. “Sometimes business takes long to settle. I’m so glad that we are going to have a WNBA season coming up. Also, pretty cool that they get more money ’cause everything is better in the league now. So can’t wait to see it start.”
For those unfamiliar, the WNBA had been in negotiations with the WNBPA since October 2024. They recently reached a deal after 100 hours of negotiation across five days.
What’s To Come In The Upcoming WNBA CBA?
The details of the WNBA’s new CBA haven’t been made public yet, but NBA insider Shams Charania revealed some of the “landmark” changes.
According to the ESPN mainstay, the new CBA will have a salary cap starting at $7 million, up significantly from the $1.5 million before.
There will be a new average revenue share of nearly 20% across deals, supermax contracts starting at $1.4 million, and an average salary in the range of $600K.
WNBA Players React To The New Deal
Union president Nneka Ogwumike commented on the new deal while speaking with reporters and shared some of the other benefits players could expect.
“For the first time player salaries are tied to a truly meaningful share of league revenue, driving exponential growth in the salary cap, increasing average compensation beyond half a million dollars and raising the standard across facilities, staffing and support,” she said.
Union vice president Breanna Stewart called the deal “transformational,” adding that the new agreement would “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.”
While there needs to be a formal term sheet, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the discussions mark a “transformative step” for the league. “It underscores a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game. So, we’ll share additional details as they become available,” she added.
Charles Barkley Warned The Players To Reach A Deal
Days before the WNBA’s new deal with the players’ union became public, Charles Barkley warned the players to reach a deal with the league before it was too late.
“Ladies, I want you all to get paid, and I wish you the very best, but y’all gotta be very careful,” he said. “When y’all start bad-mouthing the commissioner, you have to remember one thing,” he added. “The commissioner works for the owners. You might not get paid what you’re worth, but you can get paid what you can get.”
Months before that, Minnesota Lynx player Napheesa Collier blasted Engelbert during a media session.
“Let me be clear: This conversation is not about winning or losing,” she said, per The Blast. “It’s about something much bigger. The real threat to our league isn’t money, it isn’t ratings or even missed calls or physical play. It’s the lack of accountability from the league office.”
W Players React To The Big News
WNBA players have been reacting to the news of their reported new CBA. WNBA champion and 11x All-Star Diana Taurasi expressed her gratitude while speaking with The Spun.
“The WNBA has gone through a long journey over the last 30 years,” she said. “There’s a lot of hard work, grit, perseverance and determination. This is just another milestone for women’s sports. It’s nice to see the WNBA in a better place than where you left it.”
Collier shared a GIF of Kamala Harris saying, “We did it. We did it, Joe.”
Britney Griner shared an edited flick of herself with flashy diamonds, writing, “New CBA who this.”
Courtney Williams from the viral StudBudz shared, “Do y’all understand the history that was made today? We finna be millionaires. The first millionaires in our families!”
Angel Reese posted, “YEAR THREE LOADING…”