WNBA and Players' Union Progress in Collective Bargaining Negotiations

The WNBA and the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) are currently engaged in intensive negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which have entered their seventh consecutive day. Both parties acknowledge that while progress is being made, significant issues remain unresolved. WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson emphasized the importance of these negotiations, stating, "We're still working. We're still fighting. There's still some things... big-issue things that we have to get through."

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The primary sticking points in the negotiations include revenue sharing and housing provisions. The WNBPA initially sought 40% of gross revenue, which has since been reduced to 26%. In contrast, the league has proposed a share of net revenue exceeding 15% of gross revenue. Jackson noted that both sides are motivated to reach an agreement, as the upcoming season's schedule is at stake, with training camp set to begin on April 19 and the regular season scheduled to start on May 8.

WNBA and players' union report progress in CBA talks as key issues remain

As the negotiations continue, the urgency to finalize a deal is palpable. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has stressed the need to conclude discussions promptly to avoid disruptions to the preseason schedule. She remarked, "We’re working as hard as we can to get it done as quickly as possible." Engelbert also indicated that while there is room for a slight extension of talks, a delay beyond 24 to 48 hours could jeopardize the start of training camp.

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Connecticut Sun president Jen Rizzotti, a member of the labor relations committee, commended both sides for their commitment to reaching an agreement. "The fact that they just don't want to stop... it's admirable to know that they’re paying attention to the fact that this is crucial and time is of the essence," Rizzotti stated.

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Union counsel Deborah R. Willig expressed her hope for a term sheet to be completed within the next 15-20 hours, reflecting on the unusual nature of these negotiations. "This has been an extraordinarily unusual set of labor negotiations... the league underestimated seriously the resolve of the players and what they sought to achieve," Willig noted.

WNBA CBA Talks, Day 7: ‘We’re Still Working’

Both the WNBA and the WNBPA have reiterated their commitment to reaching a transformative deal. Jackson remarked on the players' understanding of the timeline, acknowledging the need for potential adjustments to the schedule. Engelbert echoed this sentiment, stating, "You see us here at three in the morning... both sides are motivated."

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While both parties express optimism about reaching an agreement, there remains uncertainty regarding the impact on the 2026 season schedule. The league's first two preseason games are set for April 25, and the timeline for the college draft and expansion draft adds complexity to the negotiations. As discussions continue, the potential for delays looms, with both sides aware of the critical milestones ahead.

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• “We’re still working. We’re still fighting. There’s still some things that we have to — big issue things — that we have to get through,” — Terri Carmichael Jackson, WNBPA Executive Director

WNBA and players' union report progress in CBA talks as key issues remain

• “They want to get it done. I think it’s admirable to know that they’re paying attention to the fact that this is crucial and time is of the essence and we need to have a season.” — Jen Rizzotti, Connecticut Sun President

WNBA and players' union report progress in CBA talks as key issues remain

• “This has been an extraordinarily unusual set of labor negotiations, and I’ve been doing this for over 50 years,” — Deborah R. Willig, WNBPA Counsel

WNBA CBA Talks, Day 7: ‘We’re Still Working’