WNBA, WNBPA Reach CBA Deal: Aces and Fever Lead Early 2026 WNBA Finals Odds

It's official: There will be a 2026 WNBA season after all! This article will focus on the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and future WNBA Finals betting odds.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

It's been 17 months since the players opted out of the CBA, which expired on Oct. 31, 2025. While the players had the option to authorize a strike, they never did so. Instead, over 100 hours were spent negotiating over the past week in New York City. A source with knowledge tells Ballislife that the WNBA and WNBPA have reached a verbal agreement. With the new agreement comes significant increases in salary cap, revenue share, and player salaries.

Gathered at the Langham Hotel in Manhattan, several members of the players' association, executive committee, and league staff held long negotiations. In the end, both sides agreed to what will be considered the most transformative CBA in WNBA history. With revenue share and salary cap the biggest topics, sources previously told Ballislife that the league previously proposed a max salary of $1.3 million and a salary cap of $6.2 million. Now, ESPN reports the supermax will start at $1.4 million, and the salary cap could increase to $7 million. The agreement would include a salary system tied to revenue growth.

"First, I just want to say thank you for your endurance through this process, especially I know it's been a long week," said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. "I just want to say we have aligned on key elements of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement together. We still need to finalize a formal term sheet, but the progress made in these discussions marks a transformative step forward for players and the league," Engelbert said early Wednesday morning. "It underscores a shared commitment to the continued growth of the game. So, we'll share additional details as they become available."

Engelbert added, “We just had some congratulations with each other. It's been, obviously, a process, but we're very proud to be leading women’s sports. These players are amazing, and we're going to have an amazing 30th season tipping off in May.”

Sources confirmed to Ballislife that the regular season and training camps will start on time. However, it will take weeks for a signed term sheet to transition into a long-form agreement. Therefore, league details and dates are subject to change.

WNBA, WNBPA Agree to Historic CBA Deal

Training camps are set to begin on Apr. 19, and preseason games will start on Apr. 25. With the regular season set to tip off on May 8, there's a lot of work that needs to be done. Both the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo need to hold expansion drafts, and the WNBA Draft is scheduled for Apr. 13. With 77 unrestricted free agents available, free agency will take place in the midst of these events.

Once the CBA is completed, it will be the sixth deal in WNBA history. Previous CBA years were held in 1999, 2003, 2008, and 2014. Let's take a look at the key dates for the upcoming season, along with the future WNBA Finals betting odds for all 15 teams. The future is unknown for several teams, and Portland and Toronto have zero players on their rosters.

Aside from players who are on rookie-scale contracts, over 100 players are set to become free agents! While the betting lines are set now, they will change in the near future.

If you're looking for more WNBA and sports betting promotions, we have gathered a list of the best sports betting offers here.

2026 WNBA Key Dates

• • Apr. 1–6: Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo expansion drafts.
  • Apr. 13: WNBA Draft
  • Apr. 7–18: WNBA Free Agency. (Per ESPN, negotiations will take place Apr. 9-11, and players are able to sign with teams from Apr. 12-18).
  • Apr. 19: Training camp begins
  • Apr. 25: Preseason begins
  • May 8: Regular season tip-off

2026 WNBA Finals Betting Odds (FanDuel)

Team Favorites to Win The 2026 WNBA Finals

Las Vegas Aces (+300)

The reigning 2025 WNBA Champions, the Aces, are early favorites to repeat. Priced at +300 odds on FanDuel, oddmakers have them as the top team to win the 2026 WNBA Finals.

Several of their core players, including three-time WNBA Champion and four-time MVP A'ja Wilson, are set to become unrestricted free agents. Through the years, Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray have formed the big three in Sin City.

Young earned an annual salary of $252,450, and given that the new salary cap is five times what it was previously, can the Aces afford to keep their big three? Jewell Loyd, who earned $245,508 last season, played a significant role in winning the Finals over the Phoenix Mercury. Questions surrounding the supporting cast remain key.

Can the Aces Retain the Core of Wilson, Young, and Gray?

With an average salary set at $600,000, it will be interesting to see who head coach Becky Hammon keeps around if they want to retain their core. We predict Wilson will head back to Las Vegas, and you can't count them out with the best player in the world.

The Aces have won three WNBA championships since 2022, and Wilson has been the franchise's star and foundation. Despite a tumultuous season, the Aces overcame hardship and finished as a top-four team on the offensive end (105.9).

Wilson, who won the 2025 WNBA MVP award, averaged 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.3 blocks in 40 games. The Aces' second-leading scorer, Young, recorded 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.3 steals in 44 games. Gray rounded out the big three with 11.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.4 steals.

Gray remains one of the best facilitators in the world, and this is a franchise that has been built around former No. 1 overall draft picks Wilson and Young. We've seen Kelsey Plum depart last season, but I would be shocked if Young decided to pursue her career elsewhere.

As long as this team retains its core, I see the Aces competing as a top-three team in the WNBA. If you want to take the risk, it's a big one—a $50 bet would pay $150. Surely, these odds will shift when free agency begins.

Indiana Fever (+350)

It's no surprise that oddsmakers have the Indiana Fever among the top teams to win the 2026 WNBA Finals.

WNBA star and former first overall draft pick from Iowa, Caitlin Clark, has undoubtedly moved the needle since her arrival in the league. Over the years, the Fever have gone from one of the worst teams to a contender.

Crowned Commissioner Cup Champions, the Fever finished as the No. 6 seed with a 24-20 record. Mind you, this is a team that took the Aces to a Game 5 in the semifinals and was one victory away from the Finals. They did so without Clark, Sydney Colson, Aari McDonald, and Sophie Cunningham.

Under head coach Stephanie White, this team prevailed, and Clark played just 13 games with multiple injuries. That said, it's scary to think this was a top-three offensive team (105.9) without Clark in the majority of lineups.

Thrillzz

4.8/5

FREE $100K Pick’em Entry 🏀

• Excellent choice of sports.
• Pre-match and live picks.
• Strong community vibe.

400% Extra: Deposit $10 Get $50

Claim Now

Will Kelsey Mitchell Return to the Fever in WNBA Free Agency?

Clark remains on a rookie-scale contract, as with Aliyah Boston, who exercised a fourth-year rookie contract with the Fever in 2025. Perhaps the biggest re-signing would be franchise guard Kelsey Mitchell.

Having carried the team on her back, Mitchell averaged 20.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 44 games. Considered one of the most prolific 3-point shooters in the WNBA, Mitchell is one of the speediest, craftiest guards in the league. Having spent all eight years of her WNBA career with the Fever, Mitchell and Clark would continue to form one of the most lethal backcourt duos.

A core of Boston, Clark, and Mitchell is essential to compete as a top team. With the new CBA, Indiana is set to have eight players as unrestricted free agents. Along with Mitchell, that includes Cunningham, Natasha Howard, and Lexie Hull.

Either way, I'm not fading Clark in any situation. As we saw in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers, she's healthy and earned the MVP. Known for her 3-point shooting prowess, Clark is one of the best facilitators in the WNBA and has a career average of 18.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 1.4 steals. Named Rookie of the Year in 2024, Clark is shooting 40.5% from the field and 32.9% from beyond the arc in 53 career games.

If you were to place $50 on the Fever to win the WNBA Finals, the payout would be $175. This team is in a unique spot to grab another star, given that Clark and Boston remain on rookie contracts.

Minnesota Lynx (+420)

Both the Lynx and Liberty are favored at +420 odds on FanDuel to win the 2026 WNBA Finals.

These teams previously met in the 2024 WNBA Finals, where the Liberty defeated the Lynx in five games. The Lynx, Houston Comets, and Seattle Storm hold the most WNBA championships with four, and now New York has its first.

2025 WNBA MVP runner-up Napheesa Collier is likely to return to Minnesota, where she's spent seven years. While limited to 33 games last season, Collier is recovering from ankle surgery. Considered one of the most dynamic players in the game, she averaged 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks last season.

The core of this team, Collier, is one of the most elite two-way players in the game. Falling to the Phoenix Mercury in the playoffs, this team was a few games away from advancing to the Finals.

What makes this team so lethal is the pieces that head coach Cheryl Reeve surrounded Collier with. This team has eight unrestricted free agents, but most contributed greatly last season.

Such players include sharpshooter Kayla McBride and Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Alanna Smith. Stud Budz (Courtney Williams, Natisha Hiedeman) were crucial elements to the team, while DiJonai Carrington was acquired via Dallas in a midseason trade.

Injuries may have prevented this team from winning the championship, but they boasted the top offensive (109.5) and defensive rating (97.5) last season. If they remotely bring back their core plus some role players, I see the Lynx as a top contender. Plus, they own the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

New York Liberty (+420)

Similar to the Lynx, the Liberty hold the fourth-best odds (+420) to win the 2026 WNBA Finals.

A year after winning its first WNBA title, New York finished fifth in the standings with a 27-17 record. Derailed by injuries, this team was bounced by the Phoenix Mercury in the first round, 2-1.

This team has been defined by a trio of Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones, and I'm going to assume all three will return. Stewart expressed her desire to return shortly after the playoffs, and Ionescu stated she wants to spend the rest of her career in Brooklyn.

A healthy core of Stewart, Jones, and Ionescu would put this team at the top of the betting odds, and I'm surprised they are priced this high. The Sandy Brondello era is over, and there are a lot of what-ifs with the newly signed head coach, Chris DeMarco. I'm optimistic given his ties to the Bay Area and the fact that he spent several years with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson in the NBA (Golden State Warriors).

Similar to other teams, the Liberty have nine players set to become unrestricted free agents. That includes Natasha Cloud, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Kennedy Burke, and Emma Meesseman.

As we've learned in the past, depth and role players helped bring home New York's first title. While it's contingent on re-signing the big three, the rest of the lineup is uncertain.

Thrillzz

4.8/5

March Madness Picks at Thrillzz 🏀

• Excellent choice of sports.
• Pre-match and live picks.
• Strong community vibe.

400% Extra: Deposit $10 Get $50

Claim Now

Sleeper Teams to Win The 2026 WNBA Finals

Phoenix Mercury (+900)

The Mercury were one of the most surprising teams last season. Not only did this team acquire Alyssa Thomas in the offseason, but Satou Sabally also departed Dallas for Phoenix in free agency.

Suddenly, a trio formed in the Valley: Kahleah Copper, Thomas, and Sabally. Even though this team fought through injuries, they finished No. 4 with a 27-17 record. Defeating the Liberty in the first round, the Mercury were swept by the Aces in the WNBA Finals, 4-0.

The midseason addition of DeWanna Bonner helped solidify this team, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough.

I can see the Mercury competing again if they keep their core three together. The question remains: who would return? Phoenix relied on a variety of rotation players last season, and they could be the ultimate free agency destination. Especially given its state-of-the-art facilities and amenities.

The Mercury only has five players who are set to hit unrestricted free agency: Copper, Sabally, Thomas, Whitcomb, and Bonner. What ultimately comes down to this team's success is re-signing that main core. Otherwise, seven players are either rookies or exclusive rights free agents. Those players include Monique Akoa-Makani and Kathryn Westbeld.

This team could be a sleeper once again, depending on who they sign. If you were to bet $50 on the Mercury to win, you would win $450. It's a high-risk, high-reward, but it's worth a sprinkle.

Dallas Wings (+3300)

I am most interested in the Dallas Wings. Having finished 10-34 in the standings, there wasn't much going on outside of rookie Paige Bueckers' phenomenal season. Selected No. 1 overall by the Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Bueckers was named Rookie of the Year.

Curt Miller took over as GM and vowed to rebuild this team. By relieving Chris Koclanes of head coaching duties, Miller brought in Jose Fernandez as the new head coach. Having turned around the USF Women's Basketball program, he coaches some of the best in the business, including Courtney Williams.

He's not Geno Auriemma, but may be the perfect coach to continue Bueckers' elevation. That said, Dallas holds the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Will the Wings Draft Azzi Fudd No. 1 Overall?

It's hard to say if the Wings are top contenders, but I do think they will improve. Predicted to select Azzi Fudd or Awa Fam first overall, this team has the chance to solidify two franchise players for a lower cost. Having already played with Bueckers at UConn, Fudd could form a backcourt mate with Bueckers. If they decide to draft Fam, the Wings finally get their big man.

The biggest question remains: What will happen to veteran guard Arike Ogunbowale? Set to become an unrestricted free agent, is her time over in Dallas? If they draft Fudd, how would the Wings run a three-guard system? Aside from Ogunbowale, Myisha Hines-Allen and Tuasha Harris are set to become free agents.

The Wings may not be a large attraction due to their lack of amenities, but Bueckers should be a huge selling point in free agency. Bueckers is still on a rookie contract, along with Aziaha James and JJ Quinerly. Given that Li Yueru and Luisa Geiselsoder are ERFAs, Dallas can sign them at a lower cost, but still have the funds to attract a few star free agents.

Golden State Valkyries (+2500)

There's no question that the Valkyries exceeded expectations in their first season as an expansion team. Not only did they lead the league in attendance, but the home crowd was also nicknamed Ballhala.

Veronica Burton is a star, and so is Kayla Thornton, who helped the Liberty to their first championship. Thornton missed games due to injury, but has proven she can lead a team after being named to the WNBA All-Star roster.

Golden State finished eighth with a 23-21 record under Coach of the Year Natalie Nakase. The Bay Area should be a huge free agency attraction now that players have seen the culture and success in Golden State.

Nakase was a winner under Hammon in Las Vegas, and she's proven herself as a first-year head coach. That said, this is a team defined by defense (99.8 defensive rating) and had just 60-1 odds to win the championship last season.

While Thornton led the team in scoring (14 PPG), it was an all-around team effort that led to success last season. Locking up Burton and Thornton is essential, as Thornton, Hayes, Billings, and Temi Fábénlé are all free agents.

Players such as Kaitlyn Chen, Janelle Salaün, and Iliana Rupert are all on rookie deals or ERFAs. Plus, the Valkyries may see Justė Jocytė, whom they drafted fifth overall in 2025. This team should be able to re-sign stars while adding players in free agency due to the flexible salary cap.

While it's hard to envision what this team could look like, I wouldn't be surprised if they made a run. After all, owner Joseph Lacob said this team has a goal of winning a championship in the first five years.

WNBA CBA Update

According to ESPN's Kareem Copeland, the WNBA will retain the core designation, which is similar to the NFL's franchise tag. It will be used only on players with six or fewer years of service. Knowing this, roster changes will vary team to team.