Sources close to the situation revealed to USA Today Sports that the WNBA has agreed to make concessions on two key points in its most recent collective bargaining agreement discussions. The insider, who requested anonymity due to confidentiality around ongoing talks, shared these updates.
Following a three-hour meeting in New York on Monday, the WNBA promised to respond to the players’ union’s proposal, which was submitted six weeks ago on a Friday evening.
In this latest offer, the league made adjustments concerning housing provisions for players. According to those familiar with the talks, minimum-salary players will now be offered one-bedroom apartments, while two developing players per team will receive studio apartments. Furthermore, the players’ union contributed to establishing minimum standards for team facilities, which will be formally included in the new CBA.
No changes have been made yet concerning revenue sharing or player salaries. Currently, the WNBA contributes over 70% of the league and team net income, with the players’ association seeking 30% of total revenue. The salary cap stands at $5.65 million per year, with increases tied to league revenue growth.
The WNBA’s offer continues to guarantee a base salary reaching up to $1 million. Additionally, through revenue sharing, a player’s top gross salary could exceed $1.3 million by 2026. The highest annual salary is expected to approach $2 million by the end of this contract, which runs through 2031. Minimum salaries would be at least $250,000, and the average salary would reach at least $530,000 annually.
A source informed USA TODAY Sports that the players’ union intends to convene with leadership to review and assess the league’s counteroffers.
The regular season is slated to begin on May 8. Prior to that, expansion teams Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire will conduct an expansion draft, while free agency and the WNBA Draft are also upcoming events.
In December, WNBA players authorized their union’s executive committee to “call a strike if necessary.”
Nneka Ogwumike told The Associated Press on Friday, “We are fully aware that a strike is a possibility, but more dialogue is needed. This is not an impulsive move; it’s clear we’re negotiating with good faith.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WNBA makes housing, amenities concessions in latest CBA proposal.
Fan Take: This update matters greatly to WNBA supporters because improved housing and facility standards show the league’s commitment to player welfare, a crucial step in building a more professional and sustainable future. If negotiations succeed, raising salaries and conditions could elevate the sport’s profile and attract more talent, pushing the WNBA closer to mainstream prominence.
