WNBA plans veteran recognition payouts for retired players
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 6, 2026, 11:36 PM
Last updated Jun 6, 2026
The WNBA announced a plan for "veteran recognition payouts" on May 29, targeting retired players with at least five years of service. This initiative stemmed from the league's recent collective bargaining agreement and will distribute over $14 million to 280 former players by the end of 2026. Former Phoenix Mercury player Bridget Pettis expressed gratitude for the measure, which provides $30,000 for five to seven years of service, $50,000 for eight to eleven years, and $100,000 for twelve or more years. While Pettis appreciates the action, she is concerned for those retired players ineligible for payouts, particularly from the league's inaugural season. Pettis hopes for continued financial recognition of the league's pioneers.
- •WNBA will give over $14 million to retired players by 2026
- •Payments range from $30,000 to $100,000 based on service length
- •Bridget Pettis supports payouts but notes some retirees are ineligible
- •League's new CBA recognized veteran contributions for the first time
- 11:36 PMYahoo Sports — Mercury legend Bridget Pettis lauds WNBA retired player payout plan
"On May 29, the WNBA announced its plan for "veteran recognition payouts" to retired players who had at least five years of service in the league.
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