Full Breakdown
WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement Negotiations: Housing Gains Amid Revenue Sharing Disputes
2/22/2026, 2:07:52 AM
Overview of the Negotiations
The ongoing negotiations between the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) have reached a critical juncture as both parties seek to finalize a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) ahead of the 2026 season, set to begin on May 8. The WNBA recently submitted a counterproposal that includes significant concessions regarding player housing but maintains a firm stance on revenue sharing and salary cap issues.
Key Provisions of the WNBA's Proposal
The WNBA's latest proposal guarantees housing for all players in 2026, with provisions for one-bedroom apartments for players on minimum salaries and those with zero years of service in 2027 and 2028. Developmental players will receive studio apartments throughout the agreement, which extends until 2031. This marks a shift from previous negotiations, where housing provisions were not included in the league's proposals. The league's proposal also maintains a salary cap of $5.65 million for 2026, with projected average player salaries rising from approximately $120,000 in 2025 to over $535,000 in the first year of the new agreement.
Revenue Sharing Discrepancies
Despite progress on housing, the WNBA and WNBPA remain far apart on revenue sharing. The WNBPA has requested an average of 27.5% of gross revenue, down from a previous demand of 31%, while the WNBA's counterproposal offers players approximately 70% of net revenue, equating to less than 15% of gross revenue. The league has projected that the WNBPA's proposal would lead to losses of $460 million over the agreement's lifetime, which the WNBA describes as "unrealistic."
Criticism and Opposition
WNBPA executive director Terri Jackson has criticized the league's characterization of their proposals, asserting that the players' demands are realistic and necessary for the growth of the league. Jackson emphasized the extensive negotiations that have taken place over the past year and a half, expressing frustration over the league's slow response to proposals. Players have voiced concerns about the urgency of reaching an agreement, with some indicating that the league's lack of movement on key issues is baffling.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the WNBPA's latest proposal, the WNBA described it as "unrealistic" and stated that it would cause "hundreds of millions of dollars of losses for our teams." The league's spokesperson reiterated the need for a sustainable financial model to ensure the league's growth and continued investment. Meanwhile, players like Breanna Stewart have called for a more collaborative negotiation process, highlighting the need for both sides to work together to finalize the CBA before the season begins.
What's Next
As the May 8 season start date approaches, both parties are under pressure to finalize the agreement. The WNBA still needs to conduct an expansion draft, free agency, and a collegiate draft before training camps open on April 19. The urgency of the situation has led to discussions among players about the possibility of a strike if negotiations do not progress satisfactorily.
Verbatim Quotes
“It is unfathomable that anyone would question our commitment to negotiations and desire to get a deal done after nearly a year and a half of pushing and pulling, meetings upon meetings, proposal after counter proposal,” — Terri Jackson, WNBPA Executive Director
“Right now, I don’t know.” — Breanna Stewart, WNBA Player
“running out of time” — WNBA Official
The negotiations continue to evolve, with both sides hoping to reach a consensus that addresses the needs of players while ensuring the league's financial viability.
