The Las Vegas Aces have been at the center of several controversies that shaped the new WNBA collective bargaining agreement. From pay disputes to pregnant player trades, the organization’s experiences directly influenced key provisions in the tentative deal announced Friday.

The new CBA, which still requires ratification, introduces a revenue-sharing model projected to deliver over $1 billion in player salaries and benefits. The salary cap for 2026 will be $7 million, with projections to exceed $10 million by the deal’s end. Maximum salaries start at $1.4 million, average salaries near $600,000, and minimums range from $270,000 to $300,000 based on service years.

A’ja Wilson illustrates the impact: under the previous CBA, she earned about $60,000 in bonuses for winning MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP in 2025. Under the new terms, those bonuses would total $225,000—more than her 2025 salary.

The Aces faced league investigations in 2023 and 2024 over alleged under-the-table payments and a $100,000 sponsorship per player from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. The new CBA’s increased compensation should alleviate such scrutiny.

Roster rules also changed following incidents involving pregnant players. Dearica Hamby was traded while pregnant, leading to a lawsuit and coach Becky Hammon’s suspension. Now, teams cannot trade pregnant players without consent. New salary cap exceptions exist for injured and pregnant players. The minimum roster increases to 12, plus two developmental spots that don’t count against the cap—a change Hammon publicly advocated for.

Charter flights become mandatory, with a $300 million investment, after the Aces’ 2018 travel nightmare forced a forfeit. The 2026 season remains 44 games, expanding to 50 by 2027. Facility standards also rise, building on the Aces’ 2023 unveiling of the first WNBA-only complex.

The deal includes enhanced life insurance and one-time payments for veterans based on service years.