New WNBA CBA Proposal Could Fast-Track Max Deal For Dallas Wings Star Paige Bueckers
Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers just wrapped up one of the best rookie seasons in WNBA history. She might not have to wait long for the payday to match.
The WNBA sent a new collective bargaining agreement proposal to the players’ union Sunday night that includes a provision allowing young stars on rookie deals who earned first- or second-team All-WNBA honors to become eligible for a maximum contract in their fourth year, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.
Under the proposed language, Bueckers would be eligible for a max deal in 2028 — a year ahead of the standard timeline. Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever would be eligible in 2027. Aliyah Boston, also with Indiana, could sign one this year.
Paige Bueckers Put Up the Numbers To Qualify
The Wings used the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft on Bueckers, and she made them look smart from the jump. She averaged 19.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists across 36 games while shooting 47.7% from the field and 88.8% from the foul line.
She took home Rookie of the Year, earned her first All-Star nod, and landed on the All-WNBA team — the exact distinction that would trigger early max eligibility under the proposed CBA terms.
When Bueckers was rolling, she was as good as anyone in the league. She hung 44 on Los Angeles on Aug. 20, going 17-for-21 from the floor in one of the better individual performances of the season. She hit double-digit assists twice, dished five or more in 21 of 36 outings, and was one of the most reliable free-throw shooters in the W all year.
Dallas went 10-34, but Bueckers’ production was never part of the problem.
What the Money Looks Like for the Dallas Wings
The financial picture changes in a hurry if this deal gets done. Maximum salaries would jump from $249,000 to $1.3 million under the proposal. Average salaries would go from $120,000 to $540,000 in Year 1. The salary cap would land at $5.75 million — up 280% from last season’s $1.5 million — and climb to $8.5 million by Year 6, per the AP report.
Worth noting for the Wings: players who sign max extensions through the early-eligibility track would not be subject to a franchise tag afterward. That gives them full control of the next time they hit the open market.
For Dallas, the calculus is pretty straightforward. Lock in your franchise player early, or risk losing her with no tag protection down the line.
Revenue Sharing Remains the Sticking Point Between the WNBA and WNBPA
The two sides still have ground to cover on the money split. The league has proposed giving players more than 70% of net revenue, with that share increasing as the league grows. The union countered by asking for an average of 26% of gross revenue — before expenses — over the life of the agreement. The league has called that number unrealistic, per the AP.
WNBPA vice president Kelsey Plum weighed in Monday while preparing for the Unrivaled semifinals. She called the arrival of a revenue-sharing framework a step the union fought hard to reach, even though negotiations continue on the specifics.
The league is distributing $8 million in revenue-sharing payments to players from last season — the first time the WNBA generated enough to trigger a payout in its history.
Paige Bueckers on CBA Talks: ‘Both Sides Aren’t Moving’
Bueckers spoke to reporters in New York City during the Unrivaled semifinals and did not sugarcoat where things stand.
“At this point, it’s not really a negotiation anymore,” Bueckers said. “Like, both sides aren’t moving. So I feel like we need to continue to have these conversations, continue to actually have change implemented for us to move on our stance.”
She made clear that players want to be on the court this spring, not on a picket line.
“We as players, we don’t want to strike. We want to have a season,” Bueckers said. “I love playing basketball. That’s all I want to do. But again, there are things that need to be handled, and we want to do it as professionals.”
Key Dates if a CBA Deal Gets Done
If the two sides reach an agreement by March 10, the expansion draft for the Portland and Toronto franchises would take place between April 1 and 6, according to a timetable obtained by the AP.
Free-agent qualifying offers would go out April 7-8, with a signing window running April 12-18. Camps would open on April 19. The regular season would tip off May 8.
Another All-WNBA season in 2026 would put Bueckers squarely on the max-contract track heading into her third year, with a shot at locking in a deal under a salary structure that bears no resemblance to the one she entered.
More Dallas Wings News & WNBA Rumors
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