How the new WNBA CBA transforms player pay

How the new WNBA CBA transforms player pay

From Make Me Smart by Marketplace

May 7, 2026 · 19 min · Episode 1563

About this episode

The episode discusses the impact of the new WNBA collective bargaining agreement on player pay and the potential for women's basketball to maximize its earning potential.

The WNBA’s 30th season tips off tomorrow. This year, things look a lot different for players after the league and players union recently signed a landmark collective bargaining agreement (CBA). On today’s show, The Athletic’s Annie Costabile joins Kimberly to break down how the deal has transformed the way players are paid. Plus, has women’s basketball ever really been given the chance to maximize its earning potential?

People in this episode

Host: Kimberly

Guest: Annie Costabile

Topics covered

  • WNBA
  • player pay
  • collective bargaining agreement
  • women's basketball
  • sports finance

Keywords

  • WNBA
  • CBA
  • player pay
  • women's basketball
  • Annie Costabile

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: WNBA, The Athletic, players union

Books & works: collective bargaining agreement

More episodes of Make Me Smart

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Make Me Smart podcast page.