Just a few days back, the likes of Nneka Ogwumike and others did not want to back down from their demands. With the WNBA witnessing a boom in its revenue and other cash flow aspects, the players had been demanding a fair and equal pay structure. Unfortunately, despite the CBA deadline being pushed back on several occasions, there is still no clarity about the contract.
Looking at the gravity of the situation, the WNBPA secretary called for ‘urgency’ on the matter. And complying with the same, it looks like the players’ union is ready to get flexible with their demands. After a longstanding battle with the authorities, the WNBPA has finally lowered their revenue-sharing numbers.
WNBPA Drops Slashes Revenue-Sharing Numbers
While players like Sophie Cunningham have repeatedly pointed towards a lockout, the players’ union does not seem to be interested in stopping the league altogether. In a recent update from an insider, the union has proposed a counter-deal to the league authorities.
In a discussion with ‘The Associated Press,’ the insider pointed out that WNBPA has revised its revenue-sharing to 27.5% instead of the previously asked 30%. This means that the first year of this new deal would only require the WNBA to pay 25% of its share.
“The WNBPA submitted a new CBA counterproposal asking for players to receive an average of 27.5% of gross revenue, starting at 25% in Year 1 with a salary cap under $9.5M. The previous proposal sought 31% of gross revenue and a roughly $10.5M cap,” read an X, formerly known as Twitter update from the ‘Sports Business Journal’ via ‘ESPN.’
The WNBPA submitted a new CBA counterproposal asking for players to receive an average of 27.5% of gross revenue, starting at 25% in Year 1 with a salary cap under $9.5M.
— Sports Business Journal (@SBJ) February 18, 2026
The previous proposal sought 31% of gross revenue and a roughly $10.5M cap.
Via @espn |… pic.twitter.com/3084e2zot1
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Surely, this makes it clear that the players’ union is all in on making adjustments. With the new season already announced, the union is trying its best to make the league run smoothly. Unfortunately, to date, not only has the league denied the WNBPA’s revenue deals, but it has also tried to cut down on players’ housing facilities.
WNBPA President Gets Real On Why Housing Is Important For The Athletes
In an offer proposed by the league last year, the team’s housing policy was rescinded. Immediately after reading it, the players grew utterly frustrated. For example, Natasha Cloud stated that such a policy “makes no sense.” Recently, in a separate interview, the players’ union president, Nneka Ogwumike, dropped her honest thoughts on the housing policy.
“Housing is a really, really big one. It’s a matter of safety, efficiency — being able to get from home to the practice facility to the arena. Being able to know where all the players are. It’s something that has always been provided. To be honest, I think that it’s probably the largest benefit that we’ve had as professional athletes,” said Ogwumike.
Now then, as the countdown is now less than 100 days before the scheduled WNBA 2026 opening, a lot still has to be done. But with the WNBPA showing signs of flexibility, it might just be the first steps towards solving the longstanding stalemate.