WNBA and Players: Negotiations Fail to Reach Agreement by Deadline
The WNBA and the players’ union failed to reach an agreement on the new collective bargaining agreement before the deadline set by the league. The negotiations, which lasted for hours, ended without a consensus that guarantees the start of the 2026 season. The marathon session, which lasted until the early hours of the morning, had as its main objective to secure the league calendar, which is scheduled to start on May 8. The lack of agreement puts at risk the fulfillment of this deadline, as well as the development of other important activities.The executive director of the players’ union (WNBPA), Terri Jackson, expressed that negotiations are progressing, although an agreement was not reached on this occasion. In the meeting, key figures such as Nneka Ogwumike, president of the union, and other members of the committee participated. The differences between the parties were significant. The league proposed a salary cap of $5.65 million per franchise and 15% of future profits. For its part, the union requested $9.5 million and 27.5%.It’s complex. We are working to reach an agreement where everyone wins (…) So we are working hard on it and we still have work to do.
Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner
Although the league’s offer represents an increase over the current situation, the union considers that the figure is outdated, given the growth of the league’s income.
The uncertainty generated by the lack of agreement affects the WNBA schedule, including the start of the preseason on April 19. In addition, the expansion ‘draft’ for the new franchises and the opening of the market for free agent players must be carried out.
