The CBA discussions are still ongoing, even though they have passed the deadline. The PA handed them a counterproposal, but the WNBA decided on an in-person meeting to solve the issue.
Ironically, Caitlin Clark spoke about similar tactics to find the solution to the CBA issue and also hinted at the need for compromise. Though there is no definite answer as a result of the meeting, the commissioner answered a few media questions.
Cathy Engelbert Provides Details On 12-Hour Meeting Between WNBA And WNBPA
While the February 2 meeting was not fruitful, the league and players’ association looked to complete the job with a 12-hour-long meeting. Several members of the WNBPA executive committee attended the talks, including president Nneka Ogwumike, vice presidents Breanna Stewart and Alysha Clark, and treasurer Brianna Turner.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert was also present for the meeting and provided a few details. “It’s complex. But we’re working towards a win, win deal like we’ve been saying, transformational deal for these players that balances all the things we’ve been trying to balance with continued investment by our owners, etc. So, we’re working hard towards that, and we still have work to do,” Engelbert said.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert briefly spoke with reporters but did not take questions.
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) March 11, 2026
She said both sides are working hard on securing a win-win deal.
Essentially said, “it’s complex,” “this is complicated,” and “we still have work to do.”
The commissioner pointed out the ‘work to do’, which is a concerning sign for fans. There was a significant gap between the two deciding factors: revenue sharing and the salary cap. As per the latest open offers, the WNBPA proposed a $8.5M+ cap, while the league proposed a $5.65M-$5.75M cap, up from $1.5M in 2025.
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Also, the union is pushing for a percentage of gross revenue (total income). The league is offering a percentage of net revenue (profit after expenses), which the union argues results in a much lower actual payout.
While both parties remained firm in their demands and interests, the commissioner and the league faced widespread criticism for their tactics in the CBA.
WNBA And Cathy Engelbert Face Criticism For CBA Delay
During the recent interview, Napheesa Collier thrashed the league and rejected ‘pity support’ from the WNBA amid a growth surge. A WNBA analyst also criticized the league for the delay and the tactics.
Speaking about the same on her recent video, the analyst said, “Honestly, it feels like the WNBA is playing them like a little puppet. The league has literally been sitting back… smirking like let them (WNBPA members) duke it out, eventually they are going to agree to something.”
Is The WNBA playing the WNBPA? pic.twitter.com/8vJlP0Nnz2
— Courtside Club (@CourtsideClub_) March 5, 2026
She even questioned the WNBPA’s actions and ‘unnecessary criticism’. These actions are causing delays and risking delaying the start of the league.