Episode
Set The Tempo Ep. 5: WNBA CBA Ratified, Expansion Boom & Rookie Salary Explosion Explained
- Podcast
- Set The Tempo
- Published
- Mar 24, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 717
- Processing state
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Summary
The WNBA’s new CBA is officially ratified — and now the real chaos begins. In Episode 5 of Set The Tempo , Tyler Conium breaks down what happens next as the league races toward the 2026 season tip-off on May 8 . With the business side nearly settled, the focus finally shifts to basketball, roster building, and expansion strategy . In this episode: 🚨 CBA Officially Done * What ratification means for the league moving forward * Salary cap jump: $1.5M → $7M+ * Supermax contracts ($1.4M) and roster construction challenges 🌆 Expansion is BOOMING * Cleveland officially joining the WNBA (2028 debut) * Expansion fees skyrocketing: $50M → $250M * What this says about the growth of women’s sports 💰 Superteams vs Depth * Can teams like the New York Liberty keep their “Big 3”? * Why the WNBA middle class may disappear * The new reality of cap management 🇨🇦 Toronto Tempo Outlook * Why tanking makes no sense for an expansion team * How Toronto could land a star immediately * Building a contender from Day 1 📊 Rookie Salary Explosion * #1 pick now earns ~$500K (up from ~$80K) * Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers salary jumps * How rookie contracts reshape team-building ⏳ What Happens Next (FAST) * Expansion Draft: April 1–6 * 100+ free agents * WNBA Draft: April 13 * Training Camp: 1 month away This is the beginning of a new era for the WNBA — and the most chaotic offseason in league history. 🎧 New episodes every Tuesday📲 Follow @TylerConium🏀 Daily recaps once the season starts Let’s Set The Tempo. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesqueezes.substack.com