The WNBA players’ union has submitted its latest counterproposal to the league, focusing primarily on how revenue is shared. While the fundamental structure of the players’ salary framework remains intact, the union is reducing the slice of revenue allocated to players. In the new proposal, the players seek 25 percent of total revenue in the first year, with that figure gradually rising so that the deal averages 27.5 percent over its duration. By comparison, their prior plan started at 28 percent in Year 1 and averaged about 31 percent across the term.
Because the revenue share is smaller, the proposed salary cap would dip from a little over $10.5 million in the prior version to under $9.5 million under the current one.
Meanwhile, the WNBA’s latest offer, received by the union on Feb. 6, set a salary cap at $5.65 million, up from an earlier proposal of $5.55 million.
Housing has also been a sticking point. Under the current CBA, teams must provide housing for all players, but with higher salaries on the horizon in a new agreement, the league suggests trimming those duties. The union’s latest stance would require housing for the initial years of the contract, after which players on multiyear guaranteed deals near the maximum salary would need to find their own housing. The league has floated housing only for players on minimum contracts or with zero years of service, and only through 2028.
As both sides work to resolve core disputes—new economic terms, retirement benefits, and minimum professional standards—they are beginning to find common ground on basic facility standards. There is also apparent alignment on adding two developmental-player spots per team to reach a 12-player roster. Details on how these developmental players will be paid and housed remain to be settled.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver remarked late last week that there isn’t a fixed deadline to wrap up negotiations in time for a full season, but he emphasized the need to accelerate efforts.
WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike expressed surprise at Silver’s urgency comments during a recent appearance, noting that the union has waited more than six weeks for a response to its latest proposal and that the CBA extension has already expired.
The current stalemate follows the CBA lapse on Jan. 9, after two extensions of the original Oct. 31, 2025 deadline. The 2026 season is slated to start May 8, yet the league must complete an expansion draft, free agency, and the college draft (set for April 13) before training camp opens in late April.
— Updated reporting by Chantel Jennings.
