WNBA CBA Talks: Housing Concessions Made, Revenue Sharing Still a Sticking Point

NEW YORK — Negotiations between the WNBA and the players’ union continue as the league seeks to finalize a new collective bargaining agreement before the scheduled May 8 tip-off of the 2026 season. The WNBA delivered a new proposal to the union on Friday, offering concessions on housing and facility standards, but falling short of the players’ demands regarding revenue sharing, according to multiple sources familiar with the discussions.

The latest offer from the league includes provisions for housing assistance for players on minimum salaries and those entering their first year in the league. Players meeting those criteria would receive a one-bedroom apartment for the first three years of the new CBA, while developmental players would be provided with studio apartments. This marks a shift from previous proposals, where no specific housing provisions were included, though teams have been required to provide housing for players since the first CBA was ratified in 1999. Previously, teams could offer a one-bedroom apartment or a stipend.

While the housing concessions represent a step forward, the core sticking point remains revenue sharing. The WNBA is proposing that players receive over 70% of net revenue – revenue after expenses are deducted. The union, however, is seeking 30% of gross revenue – revenue before expenses. This difference in calculation is significant, with the players arguing that the league’s proposal equates to less than 15% of gross revenue.

The league’s latest offer includes a projected $5.65 million salary cap for 2026, a slight increase from the previous proposal, and anticipates growth in line with league revenue. Maximum salaries, including revenue-sharing payouts, are projected to reach $1.3 million in 2026 and approach $2 million by 2031. The supermax salary in 2025 was $249,000, and the average player salary, including revenue sharing, was projected to reach $540,000 in 2026 and $780,000 by 2031, up from $120,000 in 2025.

The players’ proposal calls for a $10.5 million salary cap and a 30% share of gross revenue. League officials have projected that the union’s plan would result in $700 million in losses over the life of the agreement and potentially jeopardize the league’s financial stability. The players’ union disputes this figure, arguing that it is based on flawed calculations and does not accurately reflect the potential for profitability, particularly regarding the inclusion of expansion fees.

A pivotal bargaining session took place on Monday, bringing together league and union representatives, as well as players, and owners. During the meeting, the league presented slides outlining its offer, which included increased allowable guaranteed contracts per team and the addition of two new developmental player roster spots. The league also highlighted other proposed improvements, such as trade consent for pregnant players, the elimination of marijuana testing, increased team contributions to players’ 401(k) retirement accounts, new team staffing requirements, and a recognition payment for current retirees.

Players emphasized the importance of housing and facility standards during Monday’s meeting, and the league’s new proposal addresses the latter to some extent, though specific details of those new standards remain unclear. The league’s offer also includes concessions on team-provided housing, with one-bedroom apartments available for players making the minimum salary and studio apartments for the two developmental players on each roster.

The WNBPA leadership is scheduled to meet in the coming days to review the league’s proposal. In December, the players’ union granted its executive committee the authority to call a strike, a measure they have described as a tool to leverage their position in negotiations. The possibility of a work stoppage looms as the deadline for a new CBA approaches.

Beyond the CBA negotiations, the league faces a busy offseason, including a two-team expansion draft and free agency for all but two of the league’s veterans. Successfully navigating these events, alongside reaching a new agreement with the players, is crucial for ensuring a smooth and successful 2026 season.

The ongoing negotiations highlight the evolving dynamics between the WNBA and its players, as they strive to establish a CBA that reflects the increasing value and contributions of the athletes to the league’s growing success.