The WNBA and WNBPA are back in CBA discussions, this time showing some urgency. The league sent a proposal on February 6 with their new commercial numbers, making slight changes in the previous offer. The players took nearly a week and responded negatively.
In response, the WNBPA sent an offer lowering its revenue-sharing percentage to 27.5% and the salary cap value to $9.5 million. Within six days of NBPA’s counteroffer, the league sent its own offer, hoping to move the process forward. But there are still many ‘flaws’ in the WNBA’s proposal.
WNBA Stands Firm On Revenue Share And Salary Cap Values
With the start of the season now just two and a half days away, the league and players’ association are showing some urgency in their discussions. Fans can now expect quick decision-making and resolutions on the offers. The recent WNBA offer came in just 6 days after the previous rejection. But it seems the league has not worked thoroughly on the same or stayed firm on its ‘values’.
In the new offer, the WNBA has proposed over 70% of net revenue, which would amount to less than 15% of gross revenue. The league also kept the Salary cap value at $5.65 million (up from $1.5 million in 2026). While both numbers will increase in subsequent years, at a rate in line with revenue growth. Both values are effectively the same as the league’s previous proposal.
The WNBA is still proposing a salary cap of $5.65 million in its latest, according to a source familiar with negotiations. Additionally, based on league projections players would still not receive more than 15% of total revenue during the agreementhttps://t.co/xkmis0zbDp
— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) February 21, 2026
According to the calculations, players will receive a maximum salary of nearly $1.3 million in 2026, rising to $2 million in 2031. The league’s mean salary will also grow to $540,000 in 2026 and $780,000 by 2031. Though the salary numbers are nearly 4.5 times those of 2025, the WNBPA expected nearly double what the league is offering.
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Many basketball personalities, including NBPA members and NCAA Coaches like Dawn Staley, are backing the players’ association and urging them to keep fighting for their demands. While the league offered similar commercials in the current proposal, they worked on the facilities for the players and teams
WNBA increases Housing and Retirement Benefits
There are not only 140+ active players the league needs to consider in the CBA proposal, but also the incoming stars and those who have retired. In the new proposal, the league improved its housing plan, offering benefits for all players, which will be factored into their salaries.
The WNBA confirmed to ESPN that it has sent a new proposal back to the WNBPA.
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) February 21, 2026
Sources told ESPN the league is offering to provide housing to all players in 2026, before it is phased out in subsequent years (except for developmental players). https://t.co/9adKojAaGg
As for retired players, the league proposed a $4,500 annual recognition payment for those with 8 or more years of service. Moreover, charter flights will be codified, and the teams will have two developmental players who can replace injured players as and when needed.