WNBA season begins with player moves, rule changes and expansion plans
Updated
Updated · Defector · May 8
WNBA season begins with player moves, rule changes and expansion plans
15 articles · Updated · Defector · May 8
The 2026 opener follows a new CBA that lifts the minimum salary to $300,000, creates the league’s first $1 million players and ties the salary cap to revenues.
Key early developments include Napheesa Collier, Satou Sabally and Iliana Rupert missing time, while teams adjust to major offseason moves involving Dallas, Seattle, Chicago, Portland and Golden State.
The season also brings stricter foul penalties, a 44-game schedule rising to 52 under the CBA, and future expansion after Toronto and Portland with Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia set for 2028-2030.
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