As the expiration date of the current WNBA collective bargaining agreement (CBA) approaches on November 30, the league has presented its latest offer to the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA), proposing a maximum annual salary exceeding $1.1 million, according to a source familiar with the negotiations cited by The Athletic. This week, during owner meetings in New York City, WNBA officials shared the details of the proposal with the league’s board of governors. Included in the offer is a minimum annual salary of at least $220,000 and an average player salary over $460,000, as first reported by the Associated Press.
The new offer marks a significant increase from an earlier proposal this fall, which suggested a maximum annual salary of approximately $850,000. Discussions about raising the WNBA’s player salary cap in future agreements have been held among league officials, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Currently, the highest annual player salary is about $250,000.
The proposal was submitted on October 29, just one day before the players agreed to extend the CBA expiration from October 31 to November 30 by 30 days. Both sides are set to continue talks on Wednesday, part of ongoing negotiations they’ve been holding throughout the month.
In October 2024, the WNBPA chose to opt out of the existing CBA—originally set to expire after the 2027 season—expressing a desire to secure “a share of the business we have built.” Negotiations resumed during the 2025 WNBA season, with the players pushing for a revamp of the league’s revenue distribution model, aiming to tie salaries to a percentage of league revenue. The exact revenue percentage sought in the latest proposal remains undisclosed.
Recently, the league has consulted several key groups, meeting with WNBA coaches, general managers, and team presidents. Officiating quality was a major topic during Thursday’s competition committee meeting, with Commissioner Engelbert emphasizing the need for consistency in officiating standards ahead of the 2025 WNBA Finals. Moderators were also discussed during the board meeting.
Should no new agreement be reached by November 30, or if the deadline is extended again, a status quo period will begin where current working conditions remain in effect, allowing players access to team facilities and medical benefits. However, either party could still announce a suspension of operations afterward.
This article was initially published by The Athletic.
Fan Take: This negotiation represents a pivotal moment for the WNBA, reflecting significant strides toward fairer compensation and recognition of the players’ contributions. For fans, securing a better deal means a more competitive, sustainable future for the league and the continued growth of women’s professional basketball.
