WNBA and Players Association Extend Crucial Negotiations Past Deadline
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and its Players Association (WNBPA) continue intensive, around-the-clock negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), now two days past their self-imposed deadline. Talks have stretched into late mornings at a midtown Manhattan hotel, with nine formal proposals exchanged in recent days covering nearly all outstanding issues, according to a person familiar with the process who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The delay raises questions about the league’s planned May 8 season opener, although both sides have reiterated a shared desire to avoid a work stoppage. “We want to play. We’ve heard that from the other side as well,” WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike told reporters late Wednesday, adding that players are “feeling movement” in the discussions.
Substantial Financial Gains on the Table
According to a copy of the league’s latest proposal obtained by CNBC, the financial terms represent a dramatic increase from the current CBA. The cornerstone is a proposed salary cap of $6.2 million for the 2026 season—a fourfold jump from the existing $1.5 million cap. This cap would grow annually in tandem with league and team revenue.
Player compensation would see similar leaps. The proposal outlines an average salary starting at $570,000 in the first year of the new deal, escalating to $850,000 by year six. For context, the current average salary is approximately $120,000. Maximum salaries would exceed $1.3 million initially, growing to nearly $2 million, compared to the current maximum of just under $250,000.
Revenue Sharing Remains a Key Sticking Point
Despite broad agreement on compensation structures, the two sides remain divided over revenue sharing. The league’s latest offer introduces a new uncapped revenue-sharing model tied to both league-wide and team-specific revenues, eliminating previous minimum revenue thresholds that needed to be met before sharing began. The details of this split and its long-term financial implications are central to the remaining gap.
The proposal also addresses player working conditions, including new minimum standards for facility upgrades (locker rooms, weight rooms, treatment areas), charter flights and first-class travel for all league events, and increased performance bonuses.
Context: A Pivotal Moment for Women’s Sports
These negotiations unfold against a backdrop of significant financial growth and media attention for women’s sports. Major broadcast deals, rising attendance, and strong digital engagement have created a more valuable commercial landscape, increasing pressure to structure a CBA that reflects the league’s expanding economic footprint and retains top talent.
The league previously stated a new agreement needed to be finalized by March 10 to ensure a timely season start. With the draft scheduled for April 13 and the season poised to begin May 8, the coming days are critical to finalizing terms and ratifying the deal.
Erica Denhoff | Icon Sportswire | Getty Images
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