The 2025 WNBA season received a massive response from fans and media, as the league showcased its talent and rode the wave of popularity. Sadly, another news item that made the headlines was the CBA discussions. The WNBPA and league representatives sat across the table on multiple occasions but were unable to reach an agreement.
During the Christmas period, Labor Unions roll out a Santa Billboard urging Adam Silver and Cathy Engelbert to secure the WNBA CBA deal. This act was similar to the WNBPA’s All-Star T-shirt, alarming the league to work on the CBA. But now the league came up with a ‘problem’ from the WNBPA’s proposal.
WNBA Finds ‘Losses’ In WNBPA’s Proposal
Ever since the WNBA’s 2025 season, one topic that dominated the newsroom was securing the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The players were aggressive in their demands, while the league was focusing on its growth and sustainability. Until now, the players’ association had opposed the WNBA’s proposals, but this time the league addressed a shortcoming in the players’ demands.
According to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, the WNBA is considering the losses resulting from the proposal from the players’ association. She wrote in her tweet, “The WNBA projects a recent proposal from the WNBPA, which would give players ~30% of gross revenue. It is believed to feature a ~$10.5 million salary cap, would result in $700 million in losses over the course of the deal.”
The WNBA projects a recent proposal from the WNBPA, which would give players ~30% of gross revenue & is believed to feature a ~$10.5 million salary cap, would result in $700 million in losses over the course of the deal.
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) January 1, 2026
The union believes that projection is "absolutely false." https://t.co/OjRE2n3jLg
She also added that the union believes that the projections are false. It is essential to note that the WNBPA hired a specialist to review the commercials related to the deal.
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The league had been struggling to make a considerable profit so far, but the new broadcasting deals, along with sponsorship agreements, provided an opportunity to push for expansion and sustainability. Yet, the WNBPA’s president had a special message for the league regarding the CBA.
Nneka Ogwumike Makes the WNBA Players’ Requirements Clear
One of the shocking steps the WNBPA took was to vote on the strike option. Incidentally, the majority of players handed the authorities the right to call for the strike. But clearing the air for the fans, the president, Nneka Ogwumike, came forward and spoke to the media.
Speaking to ESPN, Ogwumike said, “We’re looking for a good deal, but I think we’re also prepared for whatever it takes for that to happen, while also understanding that we want a 2026 season.“
WNBPA prez Nneka Ogwumike told ESPN after Thursday's strike authorization vote, "We're looking for a good deal to get done but I think we're also prepared for whatever it takes for that to happen, while also understanding that we want a 2026 season"
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) December 19, 2025
More:https://t.co/yWCH0GAADO
She added that the players want to put their best product on the floor, but also expect the league to value that product. Even recently, Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams mentioned that WNBA priorities hurt players as CBA talks near expiration. The players are a united front, with the league negotiating on the demands. It will be interesting to watch the next steps from both parties as the new extension expires in nine days.