WNBA CBA Negotiations Progress: Are They Nearing a Deal?
After a three-hour meeting at the NBA offices, the WNBA players’ union received the promise of a new proposal on the collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The wait ended on Friday night, when the WNBA presented its latest proposal to the union. Details of the league’s new offer are still unknown. Nneka Ogwumike, president of the WNBA players’ union, stated that there is still work to be done for the season to start on time, but remains optimistic that the games will be played in 2026.Before receiving the last proposal, Ogwumike indicated that the league and the union were not close to reaching an agreement on key issues, such as revenue sharing, to establish a new CBA. The season should begin on May 8, but before that, the expansion draft, free agency, and the rookie draft need to be finalized. Ogwumike mentioned that, once the revenue sharing is resolved, the rest could move forward quickly.I know our players want to play this year at 100%.
Nneka Ogwumike, President of the WNBA Players Association
In their latest proposal, the players are seeking around 30% of gross revenue, that is, the money generated before expenses, for the first year. In the league’s previous proposal, the players would receive more than 70% of net revenue, which represents the earnings after covering expenses. These expenses would include the improvement of facilities, charter flights, five-star hotels, medical services, security, and stadiums. The league’s previous offer last month would guarantee a maximum base salary of $1 million in 2026, which could reach $1.3 million through revenue sharing. This represents a significant increase compared to the current $249,000 and could grow to almost $2 million during the term of the agreement. These figures were presented to the players at the meeting on Monday. The documents also detailed 37 areas in which the league was willing to make concessions requested by the players. Some of these proposals included the addition of two development player spots to teams, the right of pregnant players to refuse transfers, the increase of guaranteed contracts on a team, and the codification of charter flights, as well as other first-class travel considerations. If a new CBA is not reached soon, the start of the 2026 season could be delayed. The expansion draft for Toronto and Portland has already been delayed. The last CBA was announced in mid-January 2020, a month after it was agreed upon. It could easily take two months from when a new CBA is reached to the start of free agency, which was supposed to begin last month. Due to a significant salary increase expected in a new CBA, 80% of the players in the league are free agents this offseason, making this the biggest opportunity for player movement in WNBA history. A delay would harm both parties, as each lost match would mean a loss of income, as well as sponsorships, television money and support from fans. Ogwumike, who is in her third term as union president, said the long wait for an answer hasn’t been all bad, as she and union leaders have had the opportunity to speak with WNBA players. She was in Nashville, Tennessee, on Thursday with union leaders at Athletes Unlimited. It was an opportunity to take the pulse of the players. Ogwumike stated that she likes the fact that they have had these six weeks, still waiting for a proposal, as it has given them time. In December, after the strike authorization vote, they were able to meet in Miami and talk with the players. The players voted in favor of giving union leaders the right to strike in December. Ogwumike said that, despite this, a strike is not imminent, although the union posted a video on social media about the 1964 NBA All-Star Game strike. The NBA All-Star Game will be held next weekend in Los Angeles. Ogwumike stated that they are very aware of having the strike on the table, but that many more conversations must take place. She added that they are not going to say “Today is the day.” She believes that what they are demonstrating now is negotiating in good faith.Once we solve this, we can do everything else.
Nneka Ogwumike, President of the WNBA Players Association
