WNBA Salary Increases and CBA Negotiations
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver mentioned on Tuesday that WNBA players’ salaries will see a “significant increase” in the upcoming collective bargaining agreement. However, he seemed to downplay the players’ association’s call for a stronger revenue-sharing framework.
During an interview on NBC’s “Today” show, he addressed questions from reporter Craig Melvin regarding the contentious negotiations. When asked if WNBA players should have a larger share of the revenue, Silver responded affirmatively but reframed the perspective. “Yes,” he said. “However, I think looking at share percentages isn’t really the right approach since the NBA generates much more revenue overall. It’s better to focus on the actual earnings. They are going to receive a substantial hike in this bargaining phase, and they deserve it.”
The National Women’s Basketball Players Association shared a clip of this exchange on their Instagram Story with a playful caption: “Don’t you want to share @adamsilverNBA?”
The current collective bargaining agreement for the WNBA is set to expire on October 31. Given the circumstances, it seems improbable that a new contract will be finalized by this deadline. An extension appears likely to prevent disruptions, similar to what occurred in 2019 when the previous agreement came to an end.
While both parties are promoting this new CBA as “transformational,” they are seeking enhanced salaries, improved revenue-sharing strategies, reduced salary caps, and better benefits. Revenue sharing has been particularly emphasized in these negotiations, especially as the WNBA’s popularity has soared recently.
Television ratings are on the rise, often breaking records, and franchise valuations are at unprecedented levels. The league also has a significant 11-year media deal worth $2.2 billion commencing next year, alongside the announcement of three new expansion franchises, which are to be acquired for a $250 million fee.
There’s a stark difference in revenue-sharing models between the NBA and WNBA. NBA players earn about half of their basketball-related income, which impacts their salary cap. In contrast, basketball-related income isn’t specified in the WNBA’s current agreement. The salary cap for the WNBA is set by the existing CBA, and the revenue-sharing model activates only if specific business targets are met.
Currently, WNBA players receive roughly 9 percent of league revenue, while NBA players enjoy about 50 percent of basketball-related income.
Negotiations for the new CBA have been heating up for quite some time. Last month, WNBA star and WNBPA Vice President Nafeesa Collier, along with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, faced significant backlash.
Silver noted that the relationship dynamics between WNBA leadership and players have turned “too personal.”
Though the WNBA offseason is just beginning, there’s much to finalize before the start of the 2026 season. This includes a draft lottery, two expansion drafts, free agency, and the college draft—all contingent on the determination of a new CBA. Both teams are eager to avoid any delays that could affect the upcoming season.
