The WNBA Players' Collective Bargaining Agreement for 2026 Sets New Salary Standards The WNBA players and league reached a historic agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which will significantly boost player salaries starting in 2026. The terms, ratified by the league’s board of governors and unanimously approved by players, mark a major shift in the league’s financial structure, offering substantial raises across all levels of play. With the 2026 season approaching, the new CBA outlines detailed salary structures for veterans, rookies, and draft picks, reflecting the league’s commitment to improving player compensation. The salary cap for 2026 will rise to $7 million per team, a dramatic increase from the $1.5 million cap in 2025. This expansion comes as the league prepares for its first season with two new franchises, Toronto and Portland, which will participate in expansion drafts scheduled for April 6. The free agency period, set to begin April 7, and the collegiate/overseas draft on April 13, will shape team rosters under the new financial framework. For veteran players, the CBA introduces tiered salary structures based on experience and performance. Elite veterans like A’ja Wilson, a 29-year-old center with eight WNBA seasons, will see their 2026 salary jump from $200,000 in 2025 to an estimated $1.4 million, a supermax deal. Wilson, who won her third WNBA title and fourth MVP award in 2025, is expected to be among the highest-paid players due to her value to the Las Vegas Aces. Her 2026 salary will also include increased award payouts, such as a potential $60,000 for a fifth MVP win, compared to $15,450 in 2025. Average veterans, such as Alanna Smith, a 29-year-old forward with seven WNBA seasons, will also benefit from the new CBA.#las_vegas_aces #wnba_players #wnba_league #a_ja_wilson #minnesota_lynx
Kelsey Plum and Darren Waller's Divorce: A Tale of Two Careers and Emotional Struggles The marriage between Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum and NFL tight end Darren Waller ended abruptly after just 13 months. The couple finalized their divorce in April 2024, following a private ceremony in Las Vegas on March 4, 2023. Their split coincided with significant career milestones, as Plum led her team to consecutive WNBA championships while Waller transitioned to a new NFL team. The divorce process became public, with Plum describing the experience as emotionally devastating. She revealed that the breakdown of their marriage felt like a "nightmare" that left her "broken." In a statement, Plum admitted she had not anticipated the public nature of the divorce, which she said exposed her vulnerabilities. "Going through a very public divorce is something I was not expecting," she said, adding that the experience left her feeling "like the rug got taken out from under me." To cope, she deleted social media, switched to a new phone, and turned to reading her Bible, acknowledging that the emotional impact would linger. Waller’s personal struggles also played a role in the split. In November 2023, he was hospitalized for a life-threatening emergency, which prompted him to reflect on his relationship patterns and self-identity. During an interview with "The Breakfast Club," he discussed his feelings of inadequacy in relationships, stating that he often tied his worth to the success of his partnerships. "I feel like I got to dance or do a certain thing to keep this person around," he said, explaining how this mindset led to a loss of self. He admitted that the relationship had become a source of emotional baggage, preventing him from making authentic decisions about his life.#miami_dolphins #new_york_giants #kelsey_plum #darren_waller #las_vegas_aces
