New Delhi, March 18 -- In a major milestone for women's professional basketball, the WNBA and the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) have reached an agreement in principle on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) after more than 17 months of negotiations. The deal, finalized early Wednesday (March 18), following intense, round-the-clock talks, guarantees the league's 30th season will launch on schedule May 8 while delivering historic financial gains for players.

The breakthrough ends a prolonged standoff marked by public pressure, multiple deadline extensions, and player authorization for a potential strike. It introduces revenue sharing, million-dollar contracts for the first time, and average player compensat...