WNBA and Players' Union Negotiations Continue Without Agreement

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) engaged in an extensive 12-hour bargaining session on March 10, 2024, at the Langham Hotel in New York City, but concluded without reaching a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The meeting began at 5 p.m. and extended into the early hours of Wednesday, with players leaving around 3 a.m. and league officials continuing discussions until approximately 5 a.m. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and WNBPA Executive Director Terri Carmichael Jackson both acknowledged that while progress was made, significant work remains.

WNBA, WNBPA Talks Push Late Into Second Night

The primary sticking point in the negotiations centers around revenue sharing. The WNBA has proposed that players receive over 70% of net revenue, which is calculated after expenses are deducted. In contrast, the WNBPA has requested an average of 26% of gross revenue, which is calculated before expenses. This fundamental disagreement has persisted throughout the 17 months of negotiations, with both sides exchanging multiple proposals. The league's latest offer includes a salary cap of $5.75 million for 2026, a significant increase from the previous cap of $1.5 million in 2025. The players' union, however, has sought a salary cap of approximately $9.5 million in the first year of the new agreement.

ESPNCBS SportsWNBA, Players' Union Continue Negotiations Into WednesdayThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)OutKickNewsdayWNBA, WNBPA Talks Push Late Into Second NightNBCNewYork.com

Other critical issues under negotiation include team-provided housing, adjustments to core player designations, and benefits for retired players. Engelbert described the negotiations as "complex" and emphasized the importance of reaching a "transformational deal" for the future of the league and women's sports.

What Cathy Engelbert, WNBPA chief said about 12-hour WNBA CBA negotiating session at ‘deadline’

The WNBA had set a deadline of March 10 for reaching at least a term sheet to avoid delays in the 2026 season, which is currently scheduled to begin on May 8. With this deadline now passed, the timeline for critical offseason activities, including an expansion draft for new franchises in Portland and Toronto, free agency, and the WNBA draft on April 13, is extremely tight. Engelbert has stated that the league must finalize the agreement soon to maintain the scheduled season start.

OutKickCBS SportsDeadspinWhat Cathy Engelbert, WNBPA chief said about 12-hour WNBA CBA negotiating session at ‘deadline’WNBA, WNBPA Talks Push Late Into Second NightNewsdayThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)Still No Deal After Marathon WNBA CBA Talks Extend into Wednesday Morning

Engelbert reiterated the urgency of the situation, stating, "We've got to get this deal done. We've got to get it done soon." Jackson echoed this sentiment, noting, "Every meeting is a positive meeting... It's taking as long as it's taking, but you know, that's what it needs to be." Both leaders expressed optimism about the ongoing discussions, despite the lack of a finalized agreement.

NBCNewYork.com

While both sides have expressed a willingness to negotiate, there is criticism regarding the perceived lack of urgency from the players' union. Union President Nneka Ogwumike indicated that the players have not viewed the March 10 deadline as a strict timeline, emphasizing their commitment to negotiating in good faith. This perspective highlights a potential divide in urgency between the league and the players.

Newsday

Negotiations are set to continue, with both parties aiming to reach an agreement that will allow the 2026 season to start on time. If a deal is reached, it will require ratification by the league's board of governors and a majority of voting players, which could take several weeks. The next few days will be critical as the league and union work to resolve their differences and finalize the terms of the new CBA.

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