WNBA Negotiations Update
The National Women’s Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) received a counterproposal from the WNBA late Friday, which includes some modifications from the league’s previous offer, according to officials who spoke with the Saturday Post.
Sources indicate that this response from the league came about six weeks after the WNBPA submitted its latest proposal around Christmas, but notably, it did not present any significant changes regarding revenue sharing.
The players are seeking 30 percent of total revenue, while the league continues to propose around 70 percent of the net revenue share—this translates to approximately 15 percent of the overall revenue of both the league and the teams.
Moreover, the WNBA has suggested increasing the salary cap to $5.65 million in 2026, which still falls short of the WNBPA’s request of $10.5 million, as noted by someone familiar with the discussions.
In terms of player accommodation, the league laid out clearer policies aimed at ensuring housing for specific player groups. Under the new proposal, each of the two new development players would receive a team-funded studio. Additionally, top-tier first-year players and those on minimum contracts would be granted one-bedroom apartments.
The league also agreed to codify standards for team facilities, though the precise details of those standards have yet to be disclosed.
Bizarrely, both the WNBA and the WNBPA declined to comment when approached for remarks. Negotiations for the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) have been at an impasse in recent weeks, as the association awaits the league’s input.
On Monday, several members of the executive committee, including WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike, participated in a face-to-face meeting with league officials. They aimed to spark progress, particularly since ongoing negotiations pose a threat to the 2026 WNBA season’s start.
During the three-hour meeting, league officials shared some slides outlining improvements and benefits already agreed upon in the new contract.
A noteworthy highlight of the proposed changes is a supermax base salary of $1.1 million set for 2026, with the potential to escalate to $1.8 million by 2030. The average base salary is projected to rise considerably— from about $102,000 in 2025 to an estimated $465,000 next season.
Other enhancements suggested by the league include broader guarantees for contracts, providing two developmental player positions per team, increased performance bonuses, and salary cap exceptions for players who are pregnant or recovering from post-season injuries.
Friday’s proposal outlines several adjustments the WNBA desires, but time is of the essence for both parties to reach an agreement on a new contract.
Multiple sources warn that if a new CBA isn’t ratified within the next couple of weeks, delaying the season may become unavoidable. The negotiations have been particularly daunting due to the significant gap between the initial offers from both sides.
If the new contract discussions are seen as being at the 50-yard line, it seems the WNBA’s opening proposal was nearer to the 40-yard line.
Interestingly, the players’ meetings began outside the stadium, reflecting their increasing influence in these CBA discussions. Therefore, it’s not surprising that they initially set high expectations.
However, as negotiations unfold, there’s a sense that the players might be compromising more than the league, as noted by officials.
Initially, the WNBA’s revenue-sharing model did not account for team revenue, but this was included in their latest proposal.
Now, it’s up to the union to determine the next steps. The players voted in December to empower the WNBPA to call strikes “if necessary.” Historically, the WNBA has never faced business interruptions, and this vote is just one part of a broader process.
While both sides wish to prevent postponement of the upcoming season, it appears that players are prepared to stand firm in pursuit of what they feel is rightfully theirs, even if it means a temporary league shutdown.
