Report: Retired players to receive share of $14M

Field Level Media|published: Fri 29th May, 11:27 2026

Aug 21, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles (31) reacts after his basket against the Washington Mystics in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Retired WNBA players with at least five years of experience are entitled to a share of a $14 million pool, Front Office Sports reported Friday.

The "Veteran Recognition Payment" was included in the new collective bargaining agreement that was agreed to by the league and players' union ahead of the 2026 season.

Players who were in the league for five to seven years are due a lump sum of $30,000, while those who played eight to 11 years will receive $50,000 and those who suited up for 12 or more years will get $100,000, per the report.

About 280 players who retired before the start of the current season reportedly are eligible. That includes eight-time All-Star and 2012 Most Valuable Player Tina Charles, a 14-year veteran who retired three days before the start of the 2026 campaign.

In addition, any retired player who won the MVP award but played fewer than 12 years will qualify for the $100,000 payment, per the report. That would include two-time MVPs Cynthia Cooper and Elena Delle Donne along with Maya Moore and Yolanda Griffith.

"I'm sure there are a certain number of (retired players) who it will make a real impact on their lives," ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo told FOS. "For the current players to kind of appreciate the history of the game and where they are now as a result of some of the women who came before them, that was magnanimous and certainly a surprise."

According to the CBA, the payments are expected to be distributed before the end of the calendar year.

--Field Level Media

Latest