The WNBA and its players’ union met in New York on Monday, where the league pledged a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). According to a source familiar with the talks, the league presented this updated offer on Friday, February 6, though specific details of the proposal have not been released.
WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) Chair Nneka Ogwumike told The Associated Press that significant disagreements persist, particularly regarding revenue sharing. However, the players’ union is eager to avoid a shutdown, lockout, or strike. “I know our players 100 percent want to play this year,” she said. “We want a season. We emphasized that once we get revenue sharing settled, everything else can fall into place.”
The players are pushing for 30% of total league revenue, whereas the league’s earlier proposal suggested players receive just over 70% of net revenue. The previous offer also included a base salary up to $1 million and a revenue-sharing provision that would likely boost a player’s maximum gross salary to over $1.3 million in 2026.
The WNBA regular season is set to begin on May 8, preceded by an expansion draft involving the Toronto Tempo and Portland Thorns. Free agency and the WNBA Draft are also upcoming events on the calendar.
Last December, WNBA players authorized the union’s executive committee to call a strike if necessary. Still, Ogwumike emphasized, “A strike is on the table, but there needs to be a lot more discussion. We are negotiating in good faith and aren’t looking to strike without reason.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WNBA submits new CBA proposal to players association.
Fan Take: This development is crucial because the financial terms in the new CBA will directly impact players’ livelihoods and the league’s growth. For WNBA fans, a successful agreement ensures the season happens on time and highlights the league’s commitment to valuing players and elevating women’s professional basketball.
