The WNBA's new collective bargaining (CBA) agreement will set a precedent for other women's sports, but risks taking talent away from the WNBL.
The American league is currently in negotiations with the players' union to settle on a CBA by December 1 (AEDT), and has reportedly offered to increase the maximum salary to more than $US1.1 million ($A1.7 million).
Base wages are also expected to jump to $US220,000 ($A338,000), and the average salary will more than triple its current $US130,000 ($A200,000).
However, negotiations have stalled due to the union wanting players to share revenue rather than earn fixed salaries, which the league is offering.
New York Liberty and Opals forward Steph Talbot says it's important that an agreement is made but warns young players may leave Australia for the US.
"They might look to take their off-season off for their bodies and skill development," the Adelaide Lightning star told AAP.
"I'm a bit older, my WNBA career is probably something closer to an end.
"But for sure, if I were a bit younger, and making good money playing in America, it would definitely be an option."
Jade Melbourne, a 23-year-old Washington Mystic, admits her body is feeling the toll of playing in the WNBA and then with the UC Capitals.
There are currently at least nine WNBL players who play in both competitions.
"For a lot of the Australian players that do play in the WNBA, it's going to come down to enjoyment, but also what has the best price. The way they're talking in the WNBA, that could be the option going forward," Melbourne told AAP.
"I'm also young, and sitting on my bed doing nothing really annoys me. If I can do both, I can, but it might get to a point where the States might be my best option, and I'd have an off-season."
Wage growth and professionalism are sticking points in female sports, such as the A-League Women (ALW).
The ALW average salary is just over $30,000, with a report by the Professional Footballers Australia in November finding that 76 per cent of players reported their financial situation as 'not at all' or 'slightly' secure.
"If we can come through with a breakthrough deal, it's going to be pretty big, and something that all women's sports can model," Melbourne said.
"We're not just doing this for the 156 players that were in the WNBA this season. This deal is going to have a lot more significance for a lot of people."
Melbourne sees the agreement as something that will benefit the league itself, as five new teams plan to join by 2030.
This includes Toronto next year, which Opals coach Sandy Brondello will lead.
"The league doesn't see some of the best players in Europe, and some people won't come over because ... they are better off staying at home," Melbourne said.
"Once they come out with the biggest wages and the best salary cap ... we're going to see the WNBA go to a whole other level."
