Full Breakdown
WNBA and Players Union Negotiations: Key Hurdles in Collective Bargaining Agreement
3/16/2026, 3:43:58 AM
Ongoing Negotiations and Urgency for Agreement
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) are engaged in intense negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), meeting for the fifth consecutive day with a deadline looming. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert emphasized the necessity of finalizing a deal by Monday to prevent disruptions to the upcoming season, which is set to begin on May 8. The urgency is underscored by the approaching preseason games scheduled for April 25, alongside critical events such as the expansion draft for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, and the college draft on April 13.
Core Issues: Revenue Sharing and Housing
Central to the negotiations are two significant issues: revenue sharing and team-funded housing. The WNBPA initially sought 40% of gross revenue but has since reduced its demand to 26%. In contrast, the league has proposed a share of over 70% of net revenue, which is calculated after expenses. Nneka Ogwumike, president of the WNBPA, highlighted the importance of resolving these issues, stating, “It’s very important for us to nail those two things down which is I think the biggest thing on the agenda today.”
Housing for players also remains a contentious topic. Historically, WNBA teams have covered player housing costs, but the league is proposing changes that would phase out this support for higher-paid players over the course of the new agreement. Ogwumike noted the significance of housing benefits, particularly for women in the league, and expressed the need for a transitional approach to this issue.
Progress and Challenges
Both sides have exchanged approximately 15 proposals since negotiations began, with discussions extending into the early hours of the morning. Engelbert remarked on the progress made, stating, “Some cases, they agree. Some cases, they don’t. We listen to the players when they talk about things, and they listen to us.” However, the salary model remains a major sticking point, with both parties acknowledging the need for a meaningful resolution.
Terri Carmichael Jackson, WNBPA executive director, confirmed that while some agreements have been reached, the core issues of revenue sharing and housing are critical to finalizing the CBA. “We have the big-ticket item, and that’s the big thing that we really want to nail down,” Ogwumike added.
Implications of Delays
If an agreement is not reached by early next week, there are concerns that training camps could be delayed, potentially leading to the cancellation of preseason games. Engelbert acknowledged the fluidity of the situation, stating, “Can things move 24 to 48 hours? Sure, but not much more before you start to look at can we open training camp up?”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’ve never been a betting woman in my life and I’m not going to start now, but we have to get a deal by Monday,” — Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner
- “It’s very important for us to nail those two things down which is I think the biggest thing on the agenda today,” — Nneka Ogwumike, WNBPA President
- “I’m hoping that can happen soon. We want a meaningful share.” — Nneka Ogwumike, WNBPA President
The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact the structure of the WNBA and the financial well-being of its players as the league prepares for its 30th season.
