New WNBA CBA Roster Rules: Valkyries Mock Draft & UConn vs. The Field | Podhalla

·45 min·4 clips

The WNBA's new CBA is signed, promising Valkyries basketball in 2026 and major player benefits.

The episode begins with hosts Brad Evans and Garrett Gonzales announcing the signing of the new WNBA CBA, which will bring Valkyries basketball in 2026. They reference a piece by Alexa Philippou and Kendra Andrews that leaked parts of the agreement, noting positive changes for players. Key details include an extended season with games possibly lasting until November, an increase to 50 games next year and 52 by 2029, and efforts to combat overseas leagues like Project B. Salary bumps are highlighted, with Paige Bueckers' rookie salary rising from $78,000 to $499,000 and Caitlin Clark's to $527,000. Other CBA provisions discussed include recognition payments for retired players, more guaranteed contracts, developmental player spots, licensing rights changes, and family benefits like travel for children and paid leave. The hosts then shift to the Valkyries' expansion draft, speculating on rules and player protections, particularly for unrestricted free agents like Veronica Burton. They move to the NCAA tournament, analyzing UConn's dominance and potential challengers like UCLA, with mentions of players like Hannah Hidalgo. Finally, they review Sabrina Merchant's mock draft, debating picks for the Valkyries at number eight, including prospects like Nell and Gloma, Kiki Rice, and Raven Johnson, while considering team needs and international focus.

As heard by us

A signed CBA, a longer WNBA calendar, and a live tournament upset watch give the episode its shape.

Podhalla lands on a useful hinge point for women's basketball: the CBA is signed, and Valkyries basketball remains part of the 2026 picture. From there, the discussion turns one surfaced part of the agreement into practical calendar questions, with the championship's latest date…

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Why you'd press play

If you want WNBA calendar changes and an NCAA upset watch in one brisk listen, press play.

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