WNBA: Engelbert Optimistic About New CBA with Higher Income for Players

WNBA: CBA Negotiations and the Future of the League

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed optimism about a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that will include a “much more lucrative” revenue-sharing model. Ongoing CBA talks have been a central topic during All-Star festivities. More than 40 players attended a meeting between the union and the league on Thursday, a meeting that some described as a missed opportunity to advance negotiations before the CBA expires at the end of October.

We want the same things that the players want. We want to significantly increase their salaries and benefits, balancing it with the ability of our owners to have a path to profitability, as well as continued investment.

Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner

Breanna Stewart, two-time MVP, indicated that revenue sharing is an area of disagreement between the players and the league. Shortly after Engelbert’s statements, the players wore warm-up shirts before the All-Star Game with the message “Pay us what you owe us”. Engelbert explained that the league is considering various forms of revenue sharing, highlighting that the WNBA is in a very different situation from its current model, established in the 2020 CBA. The commissioner emphasized the importance of balancing the increase in players’ salaries and benefits with the profitability of the owners, as well as the continuous investment in facilities and the players’ experience.

However, WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike noted that the league’s current proposal does not match the players’ expectations. Ogwumike explained that the systems proposed by both sides are fundamentally different, with the league favoring a fixed percentage, while the players are seeking a distribution that grows their salaries with the business.

Engelbert described Thursday’s negotiations as “constructive” and reiterated his confidence that both sides will reach a “transformative” agreement. The commissioner also addressed other relevant topics for the future of the league:

• The league is working on the rules for a two-team expansion draft for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, the 14th and 15th teams that will begin playing in 2026.
• The rules are expected to be collectively bargained, with the hope of finalizing the CBA, holding the expansion draft, and free agency.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed several topics before the All-Star Game, but ongoing CBA conversations with the players’ union remained the main focus.Engelbert also mentioned that the league is aware of the concerns about inconsistent, and in some cases deficient, refereeing, and that they are working to improve it. In addition, the season format is being explored, considering the “hypergrowth” of the league, expansion, and the importance of international competitions, such as the Olympic Games and the FIBA World Cup. Despite the notable injuries this season, including that of Caitlin Clark, Engelbert assures that the league’s data does not show a significant increase in injuries compared to the previous year. Finally, the league is considering different ideas and formats for future All-Star Games, especially to make Friday’s events, currently the skills challenge and the three-point contest, more attractive.