Early February is usually a significant period for the WNBA, as it marks the time when many free agents switch teams and some of the largest contracts are signed. However, this year’s offseason activities are on hold because the league and players’ association have yet to finalize a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), with negotiations stuck at a standstill.
That changed last weekend when, according to ESPN, the WNBA and the WNBPA met in New York City for a CBA negotiation session. During that meeting, the league presented a counter-proposal. The central issue in the talks remains revenue sharing, but Seattle Storm forward and WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike expressed optimism that once this challenge is resolved, the rest of the agreement will come together smoothly. Below is a key excerpt from the ESPN report:
Mr. Ogwumike indicated he expects the remaining parts of the deal to fall into place quickly once revenue sharing is settled. “We emphasized that if we succeed in this, everything else can be done,” Ogwumike said.
Currently, players are pushing for 30% of gross revenue, while team owners are offering 70% of net revenue after expenses.
Though WNBA players often compete in international leagues and other U.S.-based competitions such as Unrivaled and Athletes Unlimited, both the league and the players recognize the importance of maintaining a WNBA season. This is particularly critical because the NBA and WNBA’s joint media agreement, initiated last fall for the 2025-26 NBA season, will result in a substantial increase in the WNBA’s revenue moving forward.
The WNBA regular season is set to kick off on May 8, but if an agreement is reached, the offseason activities—including the draft—will proceed on a condensed timeline. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Fan Take: This development is huge for WNBA fans because finalizing the CBA ensures the league’s growth and financial stability, which translates into better player conditions and a more competitive product on the court. Resolving these negotiations will pave the way for the WNBA to reach new heights in popularity and influence within professional sports.
