The Australian Basketball Players’ Association has initiated and signed a historic four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL).

The landmark agreement signed in April 2025 represents the most significant investment made in the history of the WNBL, the longest-running elite women’s sporting competition in the country. 

Designed and initiated by the Players’ Association, who originally negotiated with Basketball Australia and then with the new WNBL ownership syndicate, the new agreement establishes pro-rata minimum wage parity between the WNBL and men’s National Basketball League (NBL) across the next four years.

The Players’ Association’s pay parity vision for elite female basketballers has been warmly embraced by the new ownership consortium, consisting of Robyn Denholm’s Wollemi Capital Group Syndicate, with Larry Kestelman’s NBL, and Basketball Australia.

“It’s a testimony of the genuine working partnerships that are making basketball stronger together”, said Players’ Association Chairman Greg O’Neill. 

Under the new agreement minimum wages in the WNBL will increase by 104% to $46,952.19 in 2028/29 and are directly tied to the NBL minimum wage on a pro-rata basis from year three onwards. The WNBL’s salary cap and floor will also rise by 8% year-on-year, delivering an immediate material pay rise for female players.

Players Association Chairman Greg O’Neill together with CEO Jacob Holmes.

Players’ Association CEO, Jacob Holmes, and Chairman Greg O’Neill have been working behind the scenes on this deal with their members for over two years and emphasised the significance of the new agreement and flow-on investment into female basketballers in this country. 

“This agreement marks a historic milestone and is the biggest single leap forward in WNBL history. WNBL players are now going to be invested in at a level that truly reflects their talent and dedication,” Holmes said.

“The establishment of pro-rata minimum wage parity linked to the NBL across the term of the agreement, as well as significant increases in player wages, wellbeing support, and contractual security, underscores the vision of the Players’ Association. We all recognise the WNBL is a world-class women’s basketball competition both on and off the court.”

Holmes emphasised the role of the players and their Association in initiating and championing this change to establish female pay parity and professional equality across Australian basketball. 

“We couldn’t be prouder of the unity, passion, and relentless drive to lift the game for each other and for the next generation of players. This achievement is the result of years of tireless work, all grounded in the pursuit of attracting and retaining the best talent and raising standards for every female player in the league,” Holmes said.

Players’ Association Chairman Greg O’Neill highlighted the strong working partnerships across Australian basketball and acknowledged the work of players and the Players’ Association who have made a significant contribution to shaping the future of women’s basketball in Australia.

“This agreement, and the substantially improved pay and conditions for players, are the fruits of sacrifice made by many past players who paved the way. The commitment of our Players’ Association Board, our player delegates, and all of our staff who have been involved with this across the years was our secret weapon.”

“Their support and advocacy, combined with the good intentions and goodwill of Basketball Australia, Larry Kestelman, and Robyn Denholm have led to this outstanding outcome. It truly was a team effort made by partners of the sport,” Greg O’Neill said.

Players’ Association Delegate and Olympian, Jade Melbourne, shared her excitement and pride following the agreement.

“The new agreement is great for current players and the next generation coming up and aspiring to be a WNBL player. I’m really excited to see the result of this investment, and the impact it will have on the league and women’s basketball in Australia,” Jade Melbourne said.

Players’ Association Board Member, former WNBL player and Olympian, Laura Hodges, added: 

“This new agreement and investment set the stage for the WNBL to grow in leaps and bounds. As players and at the Players’ Association we’ve been working towards this for many years, and to see this result is truly exceptional.”

“Women’s sport globally is growing exponentially right now and this investment into female basketball players is sure to see more young talented girls choose basketball as their sport of choice which is a great outcome for the WNBL and our future national team programs,” Laura Hodges said.

WNBL CEO Jennie Sager said the deal ushers in an exciting new era of women’s basketball in Australia.

“This is more than a pay deal – it is a declaration of intent and our commitment to building an environment where players can truly thrive, and with this change, that can also mean retaining talent in Australia long-term.”

“Working closely with the Players’ Association, we are proud to support pay parity for our players during the term of this agreement and enable true investment in player wellbeing and development on and off the court,” Jennie Sager said.

With the new agreement now operational, the WNBL is well-positioned for an even more exciting future, setting the stage for a thrilling upcoming season of elite women’s basketball in Australia in 2025/26.

Key figures:

The four-year agreement includes:

• An increase to the Development Player minimum salary, reaching $16,548 by 2028/29 and pro-rata parity with NBL development players;
• Enhanced player protections, including full contract protection insurance payments for injured players;
• Greater investment in ABPA player wellbeing and engagement services, reaching $136,000 per year in 2028/29; and.
• Improved conditions, such as significantly increased per diem allowances and private health insurance stipends.

Salary cap

• 8% uplift of the salary cap year-on-year. 
• 2025/26 – $574,348
• 2026/27 – $620,296
• 2027/28 – $669,920
• 2028/29 – $723,513

Minimum wages

• 104% uplift to minimum wage across four years achieving pay parity with the men’s game in the term of the CBA.
• 2024/25 – $23,000 (current)
• 2025/26 – $29,465
• 2026/27 – $35,115
• 2027/28 – $41,577*
• 2028/29 – $46,952*

*tied to pro rata minimum wage parity with NBL.

ENDS

Media Enquiries:

ABPA CEO Jacob Holmes, 0408 854 091 

WNBL Media Manager Lilly Skacej, 0421 553 633

About the Australian Basketball Players’ Association: 

The ABPA or Players’ Association is the representative association of Australian elite basketballers. We are run for the players, by the players, in the best interest of all players and the game of basketball. The ABPA was formed in October 2016 from the foundations of the NBLPA and WNBLPA. The ABPA’s objective is to grow the game and the players’ position as genuine partners in shaping the future of Australian Basketball. The Players’ Association Board is composed of prominent past players and industry experts in administration and finance, including Chairman, Greg O’Neill OAM, CEO, Jacob Holmes, Mitch McCarron, Bert Bargeus, Cayla George, Marianna Tolo, and Laura Hodges. We represent, protect, advocate and promote the elite national basketballer league players in their best interests and for the benefit of basketball in Australia.