WNBA, players strike late

The WNBA and its players union reached a deal in principle on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), keeping the league on track to tip off on May 8.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
The deal is expected to reflect the rapid growth over the last two seasons.

The league exploded in popularity with the emergence of Caitlin Clark in 2024, along with some of the other members of her rookie class.

Players’ salaries are also expected to increase fourfold from last season.

WNBA STAR ANGEL REESE CALLS OUT FAKE QUOTE ON SOCIAL MEDIA: 'RENT MUST BE DUE'
The two sides pushed hard this week to get a deal done, sometimes negotiating into the wee hours of the morning.

They came to an agreement at around 2:20 a.m.

ET on Wednesday.

"The deal is going to be transformational," union vice president Breanna Stewart said.

"It's going to build and help create a system where everybody is getting exactly what they deserve and more from on the court and off the court aspects."
The league will now begin a fast break toward the season.

The team will hold two expansion drafts with the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire joining the league this season.

Free agency will also kick off shortly, along with training camp, which is expected to take place six days after the draft.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.