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Women's National Basketball Association retirees are set to receive significant financial rewards after the league and the Women's National Basketball Players Association finalized a new collective bargaining agreement that includes millions of dollars in payments for former players.
The agreement was officially completed on Friday, more than two months after both sides reached an initial deal that ensured the 2026 season could begin without disruption.
One of the most notable features of the new CBA is the introduction of a Veteran Recognition Payment program. Under the initiative, retired players with at least five years of WNBA service will receive lump-sum payments based on the length of their careers.
Players who spent between five and seven years in the league will receive $30,000. Those with eight to 11 years of experience will earn $50,000, while players with 12 or more years of service will receive $100,000.
According to reports, the total amount distributed to retired players will exceed $14 million. Around 280 former players who retired before the 2026 season are expected to benefit from the program, including former MVP Tina Charles, who announced her retirement shortly before the season began.
The finalized agreement also introduced an important update involving former MVP winners. Any retired player who won the WNBA MVP award will now qualify for the maximum $100,000 payment regardless of how many seasons they played.
That adjustment benefits several legendary players, including Cynthia Cooper, Yolanda Griffith, Maya Moore and Elena Delle Donne.
Before the change, Cooper would have qualified for only $30,000 because she played five seasons, while the other former MVPs would have received $50,000 based on their years of service.
The payments reflect the league's dramatic financial growth since its launch in 1997. During the WNBA's early years, top players earned salaries of about $50,000 annually. Under the new labor agreement, the league minimum salary has risen from under $70,000 to $270,000, while maximum salaries have increased from approximately $250,000 to $1.4 million.
The salary jump comes alongside the WNBA's major new media rights agreement worth $3.1 billion over 11 years with seven broadcast partners.
Elizabeth Williams of the Chicago Sky described the updated veteran payment provision as a small but meaningful addition that recognizes the contributions of former players who helped build the league.
Former WNBA player and current ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo also praised the decision, saying it demonstrated respect from current players toward the pioneers who shaped women's professional basketball.
The agreement states that eligible retirees are expected to receive their payments before the end of the year.
