Angel Reese Leads Atlanta Dream's Comeback Over Minnesota Lynx in WNBA Debut The Atlanta Dream staged a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Minnesota Lynx 91-90 in their season opener on Saturday, with Angel Reese delivering a game-saving block in the final moments. Despite trailing by as many as 19 points in the first half, the Dream rallied to secure a thrilling victory in Minneapolis. Reese, making her debut with the team, finished with 11 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks, and two steals, marking her 50th career double-double—a milestone achieved in just 65 games, the fewest in WNBA history. The game began with the Dream struggling to find their rhythm. In the first quarter, Atlanta shot 36% from the field and committed 13 turnovers, allowing Minnesota to build a 24-12 lead. Reese, who scored her first points in a Dream uniform with a layup on an and-1 play at the 6:57 mark of the first quarter, was also plagued by shooting inefficiency, going 1-of-5 from the floor. By halftime, the Lynx held a 52-37 advantage, with Minnesota’s Courtney Williams leading all scorers with 10 points. The Dream’s turnaround began in the third quarter, as they cut the deficit to 10 points (54-44) by the 8:40 mark. Allisha Gray, who finished with 22 points, led the charge with 16 third-quarter points, but Minnesota responded with a 13-6 run to extend their lead. By the end of the third quarter, the Lynx held a 71-63 edge. However, the Dream’s resilience continued into the fourth, as Gray and Te-Hina Paopao made clutch plays to keep Atlanta in the game. The decisive moment came in the final minutes. With the Dream down by one, Gray blocked a layup attempt by Minnesota’s Olivia Miles, preserving the lead.#angel_reese #minnesota_lynx #atlanta_dream #courtney_williams #karl_smesko
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
