New WNBA CBA Will Pay $14M to Retired Players

Retired WNBA players are about to get a multimillion-dollar gift.

The WNBA and WNBPA announced Friday that they completed the full CBA, more than two months after they agreed to a deal that allowed the 2026 season to start on time. The CBA contained a “Veteran Recognition Payment” that will pay retired players with at least five years of WNBA experience a lump sum worth as much as $100,000.

The breakdown of the veteran recognition payment is based on years played:

5–7 years: $30,000

8–11 years: $50,000