WNBA: CBA negotiations hanging by a thread, is a deal in sight?

WNBA CBA Negotiations: Are They Close to a Deal?

A year ago, the WNBA Players Association announced its intention to terminate the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which was set to expire after the 2025 season. WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike described this decision as a “defining moment” for the league and for all those who believe in progress. The players are seeking a new economic model based on equity, prioritizing a “fair share in the business they have built”. However, with only a few days left until the expiration date of the current agreement, October 31, there are no clear signs of a new agreement. Erin Drake, the WNBPA’s lead legal counsel, expressed her lack of confidence that an agreement would be reached by that date. Tensions have been rising, with players expressing frustration at the slow pace of negotiations.

The players are very clear and focused on what they are fighting for.

Terri Jackson, Executive Director of the WNBPA

Conversations about the new CBA involve various stakeholders, including WNBA and NBA personnel, as well as external advisors. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert participates in the substantive negotiation meetings. On the union side, WNBPA staff and external advisors primarily participate. The CBA committee of the players is composed of at least 33 members, including representatives from each team and members of the executive committee. The league has its own labor relations committee, which includes team owners and executives. Formal negotiations began in December with a preliminary meeting, followed by a broader meeting during the All-Star weekend in July. Since then, there have been weekly meetings between the WNBPA and the players’ leaders, although participation and scope have varied. One of the main points of conflict in the negotiations is the salary model. The players are looking for a system where the percentage of income allocated to salaries grows with the business. The WNBPA is pushing for a model similar to that of the NBA, where salaries are linked to basketball-related income (BRI).

On the other hand, the league has proposed a salary cap that increases at a fixed rate, similar to the current agreement. The league’s salary cap was $1,507,100 in 2025, with a minimum salary of $66,079 and a maximum of $249,244.

A WNBA spokesperson stated that they agree with the players that they deserve greater compensation and participation in the league’s growth. The league’s proposal includes significant guaranteed increases in the salary cap and a significant share of revenue without a cap, which would allow player salaries to grow with the business. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver suggested that salary growth should be measured in terms of absolute figures rather than revenue sharing, which drew criticism from the WNBPA. WNBPA Executive Director Terri Jackson emphasized that the players are seeking a salary system that values their work and allows them to grow with the business they are driving. The league, for its part, seeks to balance the increase in player salaries with the long-term viability of the league, especially with the expansion to 18 teams by the end of the decade. With the deadline approaching, there is a possibility that the deadline for negotiations will be extended, as has happened in the past. However, this year, the extension of the deadline raises additional concerns due to the incorporation of two new franchises, Toronto and Portland, for the upcoming season. An expansion draft is needed for both franchises before a free agency that will involve most of the league’s players who are not on their rookie contracts. The parameters for the expansion draft must be set in the new CBA. However, no rules or guidelines have been provided to any of the franchises. The expansion draft is expected to take place as soon as possible after the CBA is established.