The WNBA is entering its 30th season, a moment the league was supposed to celebrate. Their hard work and patience finally paid off with the ‘W’, experiencing huge profits from sponsorships, expansion, and broadcasting rights. The WNBPA worked as a league partner, which also delivered on the floor since the very first season.
But now they are finding it difficult to sync, and the reason is the CBA discussions, which fell apart on multiple occasions in recent months. Now the WNBA sent a new proposal that they see as appropriate to match the WNBPA’s demands.
WNBA Owners Open Up On Minimal CBA Changes
After multiple extensions, the players’ association sent a proposal outlining their demands, asking for an average of $800,000 per year and a $10 million+ salary cap to fund revenue sharing and additional player wages.
While the WNBA proposal came in at about $530,000 per year, the supermax contract reached $1.3 million per year. Also, the league’s proposed salary cap is $5.3 million. To offset the extra player wages, the league exempted the salaries of injured and pregnant players.
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%.
As for the revenue sharing, the league proposed the same percentage and model (70% on net profit), but included team revenue in the mix. The changes include small shifts to the previously suggested revenue-sharing percentage, the move to provide team-provided housing for players who need it, and an agreement allowing two developmental roster spots per team.
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Though the league tried to meet the players’ demands, it was still far from what the WNBPA expected. The owners and players have been in negotiations on a new deal since late June, with a target date of May 8 to start the new season. But will that be possible?
Uncertainty Over WNBA 2026 Season Increases
The players’ union agreed on the strike as WNBA players overwhelmingly authorized the strike option amid stalled CBA negotiations. Vice President Breanna Stewart and President Nneka Ogwumike said the players want to have a season up and running and will work with the league in good faith, but they do have the option in hand now.
It’s likely that the players might not go for a strike, which may cause a divide within the association, yet they will wait for the league’s next proposal to get closer to their desired commercials. Anyhow, the time is running out, and the league needs to act fast to start the season on the proposed date, completing all the processes.