WNBA Players' Association Approves New Collective Bargaining Agreement The Women’s National Basketball Player’s Association (WNBPA) ratified the terms of a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on Monday, describing it as a “transformational” and “bigger than basketball” milestone. The agreement, which takes effect this season and spans through 2032, marks a significant shift in the league’s financial structure and player compensation. WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike emphasized the deal’s impact on players’ financial futures, calling it a victory for securing fair pay. “Being able to have your worth tied mostly in your salary is all that we’ve been fighting for, and it’s what we were able to achieve,” Ogwumike told CNBC Sport. The new CBA raises the average player salary to $583,000 in 2026, with projections indicating it could surpass $1 million by 2032. The maximum salary for players will increase to $1.4 million in 2026, potentially reaching over $2.4 million by 2032, based on current WNBA financial forecasts. Ogwumike highlighted how these salary increases could reshape players’ offseason plans. Previously, many WNBA players sought additional income by competing abroad or in other leagues, such as the 3-on-3 Unrivaled league, where salaries were often higher. With the new structure linking player pay to league revenue, Ogwumike noted that players will now prioritize their options differently. “Prioritizing where you want to play is going to look a lot different now that we’ve been able to negotiate a structure, a salary structure, that is tied to the revenue of the business,” she said. The agreement also addresses tensions between players and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.#nneka_ogwumike #collective_bargaining_agreement #wnba_players_association #wnba_commissioner #cathy_engelbert
Chicago Cubs Contract Extension Rumors for Crow-Armstrong and Hoerner Show No Progress Reports from Jon Heyman indicate that the Chicago Cubs are not close to finalizing contract extensions for either Pete Crow-Armstrong or Nico Hoerner, despite ongoing speculation. While the Cubs have previously offered $66 million for Crow-Armstrong, there is no indication of a near-term deal, and Heyman suggests the team remains open to higher figures. However, the lack of concrete developments suggests that negotiations are far from active. Crow-Armstrong’s market value has fluctuated significantly over the past year. His MVP-caliber first-half performance, marked by a dynamic 30-30 threat and elite defensive skills, once positioned him at astronomical value. However, a decline in offensive production later in the season brought his worth back to more realistic levels. Despite this, the Gold Glove winner still holds substantial long-term value, though the Cubs may now have a clearer understanding of his future contributions, particularly at the plate. The current uncertainty, combined with the approaching Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations, has created a challenging environment for meaningful progress on a long-term deal. While Crow-Armstrong’s extension remains uncertain, he is under team control through the 2030 season regardless of any agreement. For Hoerner, the situation is more urgent. The second baseman is set to hit free agency at the end of the season, and if he replicates his 2025 performance—highlighted by a 4.8 fWAR, Gold Glove award, and batting title runner-up finish—he could command a premium price. His value extends beyond his on-field contributions, as Heyman notes that some view him as the “lifeblood” of the team.#chicago_cubs #pete_crowarmstrong #nico_hoerner #jon_heyman #collective_bargaining_agreement
