Back
Sports

WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement Negotiations Continue Amidst Impasse

Generated on: Last updated: 2 sources
View source

WNBA-WNBPA Negotiations: Progress Reported Amidst Key Deadlines

Negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) are ongoing, addressing crucial issues such as revenue sharing, player salaries, and housing. While some players have expressed frustration and a readiness to strike, both parties have reported progress in recent intensive sessions following the expiration of the previous agreement in January. The league's previously communicated deadline of March 10 to avoid season delays has now passed.

"We're feeling movement." - WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike, on the progress in negotiations.

Negotiation Status and Recent Meetings

The current WNBA collective bargaining agreement expired on January 9, leading to a moratorium on free agency. Despite this, the 2026 schedule was released under existing conditions.

Negotiations have continued with multiple sessions, including a 12-hour meeting and subsequent discussions in Midtown Manhattan. A pivotal meeting in New York involved prominent players, WNBPA leadership, the WNBA’s labor relations committee, team owners, and members of the league’s Board of Governors.

Key participants have included WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike, executive committee members Breanna Stewart, Brianna Turner, and Alysha Clark, alongside players Kelsey Plum and Napheesa Collier. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, New York Liberty owner Clara Wu Tsai, and Connecticut Sun president Jennifer Rizzotti were also present.

While no deal has been finalized, participants indicate that progress is being made, with Ogwumike specifically stating, "We're feeling movement." To date, eight proposals have been exchanged between the two parties. The union submitted a proposal over 30 days prior, with reports indicating the league was awaiting a more “realistic” proposal and had not yet formally responded.

Key Issues and Proposals

The primary points of contention over 17 months of negotiations have centered on revenue sharing and player housing.

WNBA Proposals:

  • An offer of 70 percent of net revenue share, which approximately translates to 15 percent of gross league and team revenue.
  • An earlier report mentioned a $5 million salary cap.
  • A more recent proposal included a $6.2 million salary cap and approximately a 70% share of net revenue. This offer was projected to potentially lead to a base supermax salary of $1.24 million, with an average salary of about $516,600 before revenue sharing, though actual average salaries could be lower due to roster construction.
  • The league has proposed discontinuing team-funded housing.

Commissioner Engelbert characterized one of the proposed deals as "transformational and historic."

WNBPA Demands:

  • Approximately 30 percent of gross revenue.
  • A $10.5 million salary cap.
  • Advocacy for the removal of the core designation for players.
  • Advocacy for the continuation of team-funded housing.

Player and League Perspectives

WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike maintains the focus is on securing a beneficial deal and ensuring the season proceeds as planned. Connecticut Sun president Jennifer Rizzotti has underscored the urgency of reaching an agreement.

Eight-year WNBA veteran Azura Stevens indicated her preparedness to strike if a new CBA is not established, citing alternative income sources. Players Natasha Cloud and Sug Sutton have expressed frustration regarding the stalled negotiations and a perceived lack of progress and value from the league. Natasha Cloud directly urged WNBA officials to negotiate fairly and compensate players. In contrast, Kelsey Plum has expressed optimism that a resolution can be achieved through direct communication and face-to-face discussions.

Future Timeline

Any verbal agreement reached will require ratification by the WNBA's Board of Governors and a majority of voting players. Formalization of a deal is anticipated to take several weeks once an agreement is struck.

Following formalization, the expansion draft for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo can commence. The league's previously communicated timeline slated the expansion draft for early April, followed by free agency, and the standard collegiate draft on April 13, contingent on a deal by March 10.

Training camp is scheduled to begin in less than six weeks, with the WNBA's 30th season currently set to tip off on May 8.