CBA WNBA Negotiations: Key Points, Deadlines, and Possible Strike

Crucial Negotiations in the WNBA: A New Collective Bargaining Agreement on the Horizon

The 2025 WNBA season has come to an end, crowning a new champion. However, attention is now focused on the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations, a crucial issue that will define the future of the league. The current agreement expires on October 31st. Both Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) have expressed their desire for a “transformative” CBA. However, the two sides appear to be far apart in negotiations on the most important issues.

Players’ Priorities: Salaries and Revenue Sharing

Among the players’ priorities is a salary increase, but the most important point is the distribution of income. The players are looking for greater participation in the league’s revenue, including a percentage that grows with the business, and not a fixed number during the term of the agreement.

The players insist on obtaining a percentage of the revenue that grows with the business, which could include team revenue. That is part of the conversation.

Nneka Ogwumike, president of the WNBPA

Satou Sabally, a player for the Phoenix Mercury, expressed that a recent proposal from the WNBA makes the players feel that “they are not part of the league’s growth.”

In contrast to the NBA, where salary caps are based on a percentage of “basketball-related income,” the current WNBA CBA sets caps with modest annual increases. A mechanism to increase the cap based on revenue was affected by the timing of the initial agreement.

In August, Ogwumike noted that a WNBA offer significantly increased the salary cap and maximum salaries, but followed the same model as the current CBA. A recent report suggests a supermax salary of around $850,000 and a minimum for veterans of $300,000. The players are questioning whether they are receiving a fair share of the league’s growth, especially considering the increase in the value of the franchises. For example, the Las Vegas Aces, purchased for $2 million in 2021, are now worth $310 million. The popularity of Caitlin Clark, the first pick of the 2024 draft, has boosted the league’s growth. Players want to make sure their share of the pie grows too. Another point of discussion is prioritization. In the 2020 agreement, the players accepted the prioritization of the WNBA. However, in the current negotiations, they are expected to push for more flexibility, given that the restriction has sometimes prevented them from playing in the league. Sabally has spoken with athletes from other leagues about their own labor negotiations, acknowledging that it takes time to reach agreements.

The Impact of Broadcasting Rights on Negotiations

The league’s agreement with Disney, Amazon Prime Video, and NBCUniversal, worth approximately $2.2 billion starting in 2026, also influences the negotiations. The players are seeking to ensure they receive a fair share of these revenues. Disney (through ABC and ESPN) will broadcast eight semi-final series and five finals. Prime and NBCU will broadcast seven semi-finals and three finals.

WNBA players appear to have lost confidence in Cathy Engelbert, who was booed by fans during the presentation of the WNBA Finals trophy. The support of Adam Silver and the WNBA owners could determine whether she remains as commissioner.

Engelbert’s Future at Stake

Commissioner Engelbert has faced criticism, including boos during the championship trophy presentation. Tensions between Engelbert and the players could affect CBA negotiations. Napheesa Collier, star of the Minnesota Lynx, accused Engelbert of “the worst leadership in the world”. Adam Silver, NBA commissioner, acknowledged that relationships must be repaired, but that a new collective agreement must be reached. Silver and the owners’ support will be crucial for Engelbert’s continuity.

What Happens if an Agreement Isn’t Reached?

Failing to reach an agreement by October 31st does not necessarily imply a lockout. However, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has mentioned the possibility of a work stoppage.

There is a possibility of a lockout. I promise you that we will not play until we get what we deserve.

Sophie Cunningham, guard for the Indiana Fever

The WNBA faces increased urgency this year due to expansion, including the expansion draft and the draft lottery. An offseason lockout could be detrimental, but the main concern is the disruption of games. The increasing valuation of franchises has increased the interest of owners in the league, which strengthens the position of the players in negotiations.

I don’t think anyone wants to see a lockout. It’s not something we’re advocating for. We just want to make sure this is a deal that gets done the right way.

Nneka Ogwumike

Key Dates to Consider

Attention should be paid to how the WNBA adjusts the schedule of offseason events if the parties agree to an extension for CBA negotiations. Below is a summary of past offseason events:

• November and December: Expansion draft and draft lottery
• January to March: Second season of Unrivaled
• January and February: WNBA free agency
• April: WNBA draft and training camp opening
• May: Start of the WNBA season