Full Breakdown
WNBA Players' Union Proposes New Counteroffer Amid Ongoing Negotiations
2/28/2026, 9:42:12 PM
Overview of the Negotiations
The Women's National Basketball Players' Association (WNBPA) has submitted a new counterproposal to the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) as part of ongoing collective bargaining negotiations. This proposal, presented on February 28, 2026, includes concessions on revenue sharing and housing provisions, two critical areas where the two sides have historically differed.
Key Details of the Proposal
The WNBPA's latest proposal requests a 26% share of gross revenue, a decrease from the 27.5% proposed earlier in February. This adjustment is estimated to represent a reduction of nearly $100 million in revenue share over the lifetime of the agreement. The salary cap for the first year remains unchanged at approximately $9.5 million. The proposal also modifies housing provisions, reducing the salary threshold for team-provided housing from 80% to 75% of the maximum salary, and eliminating the multi-year contract requirement for housing eligibility.
Background Context
Negotiations have been ongoing since the WNBPA opted out of the previous collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in October 2024. The current discussions have been marked by significant contention, particularly regarding revenue sharing models. The WNBA's previous proposal offered players over 70% of net revenue, which translates to less than 15% of gross revenue, a stark contrast to the WNBPA's demands.
Implications of the Proposal
If the WNBPA and WNBA can reach an agreement by the March 10 deadline, it would allow the league to proceed with its planned schedule, including the start of the season on May 8, 2026. Failure to finalize a deal could result in delays to the season, as indicated by league officials during a recent virtual bargaining session.
Criticism and Opposition
The WNBA has publicly criticized the WNBPA's previous proposals as "unrealistic," claiming they would lead to significant financial losses for the league. A source familiar with the negotiations indicated that the league projected losses of $460 million over the agreement's duration if the WNBPA's earlier demands were met. In contrast, the WNBPA maintains that its revenue-sharing model would still allow the league to remain profitable.
Official Statements & Responses
The WNBA has emphasized the need for a timely resolution to the negotiations, stating that the March 10 deadline is crucial for the regular season's commencement. Meanwhile, WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson has communicated with players regarding the importance of unity and transparency during this critical negotiation period.
What's Next
The coming weeks will be pivotal for both the WNBPA and the WNBA, with key dates approaching for the expansion draft for new franchises in Portland and Toronto, as well as the free agency period. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact the structure and financial landscape of the league moving forward.
Verbatim Quotes
- “caus[ing] hundreds of millions of dollars of losses for our teams.” — WNBA Official
- “At this stage of negotiations, with time being of the essence, alignment and shared information will best serve the players and the union,” — Agents' Letter to WNBPA
