Full Breakdown
Urgent Negotiations for WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement Ahead of Season
3/15/2026, 11:55:18 PM
Critical Deadline Approaches
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has emphasized the urgency of finalizing a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) by Monday to prevent disruptions to the upcoming 2026 season. Engelbert stated, “We have to get it done by Monday... without disrupting some part of the fact that we've got to run this two-team expansion [draft].” The league's first preseason games are scheduled for April 25, with training camps beginning on April 19.
Negotiations have been ongoing since Tuesday, with both parties reportedly spending around 50 hours in discussions. Engelbert noted that while progress has been made on ancillary issues, significant differences remain, particularly regarding revenue sharing models. The WNBA has proposed that players receive over 70% of net revenue, while the WNBPA's latest proposal seeks 26% of gross revenue.
Key Issues at Stake
The primary sticking point in the negotiations is the revenue-sharing model. The WNBPA has expressed a desire for a system that ties player salaries to gross revenue, which is the total income before expenses, while the league has been advocating for a model based on net revenue, which accounts for operational costs. This fundamental disagreement has led to a series of proposals exchanged between the two sides, with approximately 15 proposals discussed over the week.
Terri Carmichael Jackson, the WNBPA executive director, has indicated that both sides have made strides in addressing concerns. “As long as movement keeps us going in a forward direction, then I think we’re good,” Jackson stated, reflecting a cautious optimism about the negotiations.
Implications of Delays
If an agreement is not reached by the deadline, the league faces potential disruptions to its schedule, including the risk of delaying training camps and possibly canceling preseason games. The timeline for critical events, including the expansion draft for new franchises in Portland and Toronto, free agency, and the WNBA Draft on April 13, is tightly packed. Engelbert has acknowledged that if a deal is not finalized soon, it could jeopardize the start of the season on May 8.
Official Statements & Responses
Engelbert has reiterated the importance of reaching a deal promptly, stating, “It is meaningful to sit across the table and listen to their concerns.” Jackson has echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a transformational deal that adequately compensates players while ensuring the league's financial health.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the progress reported, some players have criticized the league's deadlines as "arbitrary." WNBPA vice president Napheesa Collier has expressed concerns about the pressure to finalize a deal quickly, highlighting the need for a fair agreement that benefits both current and future players.
What's Next
The WNBA and WNBPA are scheduled to continue negotiations over the weekend, with both sides hopeful that a resolution can be reached before the Monday deadline. The outcome of these discussions will significantly impact the league's operations and the players' financial futures as they prepare for the upcoming season.
