Under the WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement starting this season, players are now receiving salaries at an all-time high. This year, the salary cap has increased to $7 million, up from $1.5 million in 2025. Individual player salaries now start at $270,000; up significantly from the $66,079 minimum salary last year.
But, with that in mind, the league has also revisited the fine structure for the players. In a story from Front Office Sports, Colin Salao breaks down what this will look like for players in 2026.
Fever superstar Caitlin Clark was assessed her first technical foul of the season after the halftime horn sounded, arguing an offensive foul she was called for while clapping at the ref. Here’s a look at what the reported fine structures are.
WNBA technical foul fines
In the playoffs, the count resets:
This is up from last year’s fines of $200 (1-3), $400 (4-6) and $800 (7+).
WNBA flagrant foul fines
These work under a point system, where a Flagrant 1 counts for one point and a Flagrant 2 counts for two. Each point is a $500 fine, up from just $200 last year.
If a player hits four points, they will receive a one-game suspension. If a player is called for a Flagrant 2 while already at three points or once they hit six points, a two-game suspension will be enforced.
WNBA flopping fines
The league defines flopping as a “physical act that, following review, reasonably appears to be intended to cause the game officials to call a foul on another player.” Last year, the fine amounts for flopping were not made public. Here’s how they will look in 2026:
The WNBA also reserves the right for further penalties on any additional violations.
Clark will look to continue her improvement in the technical foul category. Clark accumulated just two technical fouls in the 2025 regular season, albeit in 13 games due to injuries, and one in preseason action. In her 2024 rookie campaign, Clark picked up six technical; just narrowly avoiding a suspension.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Caitlin Clark picked up first technical foul, costing her more money in reported fine structure
Reporting by Cameron Cocquyt, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
