The WNBA and its players union reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement in 2025 that introduces new family-planning protections for athletes [1, 2].
This agreement addresses long-standing gender equity gaps in professional sports by ensuring female athletes do not have to choose between their careers and starting a family [1, 3].
Reports indicate the new contract provides essential safeguards for players who are family planning, including the provision of fully paid maternity leave [1]. These measures aim to provide the stability and security that players have sought for years to ensure their health and livelihood are protected during pregnancy [1].
While some reports highlight these specific benefits, other sources indicate that the exact details of the agreement are still being finalized [2]. The tentative deal was reached early on a Wednesday morning in 2025, marking a shift in how the league manages player welfare [2].
The move comes as the league seeks to modernize its operational standards to match the growth of the game [3]. By codifying these protections, the WNBA aims to set a standard for other women's professional sports leagues globally [1, 3].
The union and the league are expected to continue refining the specifics of the contract to ensure all parties are aligned on the implementation of these benefits [2].
“The new CBA brings long overdue protections to WNBA players who are family planning.”
The implementation of paid maternity leave in the WNBA represents a systemic shift toward gender-specific labor protections in professional sports. By removing the financial penalty associated with pregnancy, the league is effectively extending the career longevity of its athletes and establishing a precedent for female athletes in other professional leagues to demand similar structural supports.
