WNBA players are seeing bigger paychecks under the league's new collective bargaining agreement, a positive sign for the players even as there's frustration over the league's off-court drama.

• The new labor deal has boosted salaries, and players say they are now saving in 401(k)s, retiring their parents, and covering daycare and car payments.
• It's a real financial step up for athletes who once couldn't easily afford basic things.
• There's a call for league leadership to drop the politics and culture-war fights and just focus on the game.
• The worry is that off-court controversy could overshadow the growth in pay and popularity.

Outlook: Rising salaries should keep drawing talent and attention, but the league's leadership will decide whether the noise gets in the way.