Urgency in WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement Negotiations

As the WNBA and the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) engage in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has emphasized the need for heightened urgency. During a press conference at the NBA All-Star Weekend, Silver noted that the negotiations are approaching a critical juncture, stating, “We are getting awfully close to the 11th hour when it comes to bargaining.” The current CBA expired on January 9, 2026, and the league is under pressure to finalize terms before the season begins on May 8.

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The league's latest proposal includes a salary cap of $5.65 million for 2026, a significant increase from approximately $1.5 million in 2025. It also suggests that players receive over 70% of net revenue, which is defined as revenue after expenses. In contrast, the WNBPA has proposed a $10.5 million salary cap and a share of 30% of gross revenue, which is calculated before expenses. The league has projected that adopting the union's plan could lead to $700 million in losses, while the WNBPA contends that their model would keep the league profitable.

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With training camps set to open in roughly two months, the league faces the additional challenge of conducting an expansion draft for the new franchises, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, alongside the collegiate draft and free agency. Silver remarked on the logistical complexities, stating, “We have to get not one but two drafts done... Plus, whenever we shake hands on a collective bargaining agreement, the lawyers have to go to work and memorialize it.”

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Despite the looming deadlines, WNBPA executive committee treasurer Brianna Turner indicated that a strike is not imminent, reflecting a cautious optimism about the ongoing negotiations. She stated, “It’s still early February... I feel like we’re still in a waiting game at the moment.” The players' association has not yet responded to the league's most recent proposal, leaving the future of the negotiations uncertain.

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Adam Silver has expressed his commitment to facilitating a productive negotiation process, stating, “I want to play whatever role would be most productive in getting a deal done.” He acknowledged the progress made in recent weeks but reiterated the need for urgency to maintain the momentum gained in women's basketball.

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While the league projects significant financial losses under the WNBPA's proposed revenue sharing model, the union maintains that their approach would ensure profitability. This discrepancy highlights the ongoing tension between the two parties as they work towards a resolution.

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• “We're getting awfully close to the 11th hour now when it comes to bargaining.” — Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner

Adam Silver drops ’11th hour’ update on WNBA CBA negotiations

• “So, I feel like we're still in a waiting game at the moment.” — Brianna Turner, WNBPA Executive Committee Treasurer

ESPN

• “I want to play whatever role would be most productive in getting a deal done.” — Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner

Sports Business Journal

As negotiations continue, the urgency to finalize a new CBA grows, with both sides aware of the implications for the upcoming WNBA season.

Sports Illustrated