The CBA discussions stretched for almost 17 months, and the final four months had been very eventful. Midway in December, the majority of players voted for a strike, giving the WNBPA the option to call off the CAB discussions with the WNBA and sit out for the season. Nneka Ogwumike made it clear that WNBPA wants the 2026 season and a fair CBA after the strike vote.
Now, with the league’s deadline date approaching, the PA backtracks from the strike and also talks positively about the ongoing talks.
WNBA Players Looking To Seal CBA At Earliest
The WNBPA’s unity was their biggest strength as the league was looking to push their agenda and revenue-sharing model on the PA. Though the association didn’t get the exact amount or percentage they were hoping for, there is a significant rise in their pay, and they also received some improved perks.
WNBPA’s first vice president, Kelsey Plum, addressed the current situation as she said, “I want to play, and players want to play. Obviously, we’re going to continue to negotiate and do everything we possibly can to get this done in a timely fashion. But obviously, a strike would be the worst thing for both sides.”
Kelsey Plum, first VP of the WNBPA: "I want to play, and players want to play. Obviously we're going to continue to negotiate and do everything we possibly can to get this done in a timely fashion. But obviously a strike would be the worst thing for both sides."
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) March 2, 2026
Interestingly, for the first time, the league handed players revenue from last year’s profit and also increased their percentage in the new CBA proposal (keeping it 15% from 9%). Now, after receiving revenue for the first time, the PA understood the long-term implications of the shutdown due to the strike.
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Apart from opting out of the strike, the PA also lowered its revenue-sharing percentage to 26% in its revised counter proposal. Though there are multiple factors in the reversal of the decision, the rift reported earlier played a huge role in the change of heart.
Rift Between WNBA Players Causing Early Fold?
The delayed CBA talks, pressure from fans, and also a much-improved offer from the league affected many players’ decisions, even though the PA showed unity in front of the league. ESPN earlier reported that the cracks are now visible amongst the players’ association, with two groups clearly standing on different principles.
Chile….
— Vanshay Murdock 🎥🎥 (@vanshaym) February 2, 2026
ESPN sources say a strong debate has emerged within the seven-member executive committee, which the WNBPA player body authorized in December to call a strike "when necessary." https://t.co/hlnOUSutbF pic.twitter.com/5Zet1KZA8Z
One group was happy with the pressure maintained on the league and wanted to keep pushing for more. It saw an opportunity to fundamentally alter the league’s revenue-sharing model. Another group sees the bigger picture and adds that there are still some matters on the agenda. They incline toward compromise on commercials, stating that the players have already gained significant ground and are closer to a deal.
The ball is now in Cathy Engelbert’s court to work on WNBPA’s proposal and close the deal before said deadline day.