WNBA Owners Make Marginal Concessions in Latest CBA Proposal
After six weeks of silence, WNBA players have received a counter-offer to their December collective bargaining agreement proposal. The league sent the new proposal to the union on Friday night.
Sources familiar with negotiations revealed that the league made minor adjustments to its revenue sharing percentage proposal, maintaining the same revenue sharing system. However, the WNBA's proposed revenue share percentage still falls short of meeting or exceeding 15% of total league revenue.
In a limited concession, the league has reconsidered the union's push for team-provided housing. The union had previously proposed two developmental player roster spots per team, which the league agreed to in its last proposal. These players will be eligible to play a limited number of games and will receive a game check and stipend, along with access to housing and medical benefits. The WNBA is now offering studio apartments for these players.
One-bedroom apartments will be provided for players signed to the league's minimum salary and those with zero years of service, but only for the first three years of the proposed CBA. In 2029, this offer will be removed. Players earning above the minimum salary will not qualify for a one-bedroom apartment.
Prior to this offer, the league had made noneconomic concessions, including a pregnant player trade consent clause, the elimination of marijuana testing, and increased performance bonuses, as reported by ESPN. The league's proposal included a maximum base salary of over $1 million and an average of $465,000, a significant increase from the 2025 figures of $249,244 and $102,000, respectively.
The union's last proposal sought a salary cap of approximately $10.5 million and a 30% revenue share before deductions. Beyond revenue sharing, the union prioritizes housing, retirement benefits, and facilities and team staffing.
The league's latest proposal includes higher 401(k) contributions, a recognition payment for current retirees, and access to player programs for recently retired players, along with addressing team staffing requirements. It remains unclear if these specific areas have been updated beyond the league's previous proposal.
WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike and vice president Alysha Clark stated that the union cannot consider a strike until a counterproposal is received from the league. Union staff will meet with player leadership to assess their position after the league's latest proposal. With the 2026 WNBA season set to begin on May 8, time is of the essence, and multiple sources warn that a deal must be reached within the first two weeks of February to avoid a season delay.
