The WNBA and WNBPA spent the whole year, since the end of the 2024 season, on finding a perfect CBA proposal. However, catering to the WNBPA and leagues’ objectives in a single proposal proved a challenging task for the league, as the players’ association is not flexible on its demands.
A’ja Wilson recently opened up on the WNBPA’s stance about the CBA proposals. Following the reigning MVP’s guidelines, the league now has one proposal that might be a mix of benefits, taking away some of them. Here are the key points and a breakdown of the new proposal.
Breakdown Of WNBA’s New CBA Proposal
A key factor in players’ demand centered on revenue sharing and the franchise salary cap. The salary cap indirectly impacts the players’ salaries. Luckily, the league’s new proposal covers both central aspects.
According to the new proposal, the highest salary for a player would be $1 million, which could increase to up to $1.2 million with a revenue-sharing component. Additionally, the lowest salary is higher than in earlier proposals, which will bring the average salary to $500K. Another point under consideration was the salary cap, which in the 2025 season was $1.5 million; after the new proposal, it will be $ 5 million.
WNBA’s recent CBA proposal also included:
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) December 2, 2025
– Removal of in-season team housing
– Lengthening season with training camp starting as early as mid-March
(per @AnnieCostabile)
While the league makes a push for compensation, it tries to cover up the same, taking away a few perks. First would be player housing, which included team-provided accommodations for players. However, after the new CBA, it won’t be the case, which will impact the pockets of low-salaried players.
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Another major change was the start of training dates, where the franchises now begin their training sessions earlier, starting from May, after the draft. However, the new proposal includes a training camp schedule starting in March, which will immediately affect the commitments of rookies and even foreign players.
Will WNBA’s New Proposal Satisfy The Players’ Association?
The league’s intentions are clear from the proposal, which focuses on key demands and attempts to reduce a few ‘unnecessary’ benefits. It is essential to note that the players’ demands were based on improvements to the existing proposal, not on removing perks from the previous offer. This could certainly impact the decision of acceptance.
Although the extended period is 45 days and both parties have ample time to rework the offer, fans will look at Cheryl Reeve’s assessment, who boldly claimed that they “will get a deal”, siding with the players’ association.