The new Collective Bargaining Agreement will be for six years, ending in the 2031 season, with all 18 franchises likely to work under the terms decided now. Sadly, the CBA has yet to receive the players’ association’s nod, forcing the league and teams to operate under the 2020 CBA terms. After a long wait, the WNBA sent a new proposal with some changes to the earlier offer.
The biggest changes were in facilities, including housing provision, and in the salary cap exemption for injured and pregnant players. It also gave players the right to refuse a trade in the event of pregnancy.
But all eyes were on the revenue-sharing model, which has been a key decision point and a demand from the WNBPA.
Revenue Sharing Model In WNBA’s New CBA Proposal
When the players’ association presented its demands, its proposal to share profits was similar to the model used in the NBA. Though the players didn’t demand a 50% share of revenue, they proposed a 30% share of gross profits. The league countered the demand, projecting heavy losses of $700 million over the CBA period.
WNBPA fired back at the league, calling $700 million loss projection absolutely false. Many expected the change in the new proposal, but the league stood firm and made no changes to its new CBA offer, either.
WNBA's latest CBA proposal didn't include significant update on league's proposed revenue sharing system; included "some concessions on housing and facility standards," per @alexaphilippou.
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) February 8, 2026
League proposing players receive 15% of gross revenue; players pushing for 30%.
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The league, though, added team revenue to the proposal, slightly raising the number. But the share value would differ across teams, depending on each team’s profitability. For popular teams like the Indiana Fever, Liberty, and Wings, the value would be greater, while the Dream and Sun would be much lower.
The players have made their intentions clear with the revenue-sharing model, stating it as a non-negotiable demand. So what might happen if the PA rejects the CBA offer again?
What Will Happen If WNBPA Declines WNBA’s CBA Offer?
The players’ association has already agreed to the strike, with 98% of players backing the decision to put pressure on the league. Association’s President Nneka Ogwumike, though, mentioned that the players want to play in the league and to see a positive step from the league toward a favorable offer.
So, if the WNBPA does not agree to the new offer, it will delay further processes, and the league will miss its season start date. The expansion franchises are yet to get any player on board, as the WNBA and WNBPA have already agreed on halting the free agency signings and the expansion draft.