The WNBA and players' union have reached a verbal agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement that dramatically accelerates player compensation. The groundbreaking deal introduces an 'EPIC' provision allowing rookies to renegotiate salaries as early as their fourth year, with potential earnings jumping from $78,066 to $530,000 for top performers like Caitlin Clark.

Under the previous system, players needed to complete their entire four-year rookie contracts before qualifying for maximum salaries. Now, All-WNBA first or second team selections can earn the standard max of $1.3 million in year five, while MVP winners can command a $1.7 million supermax. The salary cap will increase from $1.5 million to $7 million, with the supermax rising from $249,244 to $1.4 million.

Additional provisions include housing for all players in the first three years, with tiered availability afterward, and changes to the core designation system. Beginning in 2027, only players with six or fewer years of service can be cored, addressing a major player demand. The average salary will climb to approximately $583,000 from $120,000, while minimum salaries range from $270,000 to $300,000 based on experience.