WNBA Players, League Hit Roadblock in Collective Bargaining Agreement Talks
The WNBA and its players' union were unable to reach a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) by Friday night's deadline, sending the league into a "status-quo" period without a new extension. Negotiations will continue with the current CBA still in effect, but it appears the two sides remain far apart on key issues such as salary structure and revenue-sharing.
The WNBA had offered a proposal last month that would guarantee a maximum base salary of $1 million for players by 2026, potentially reaching up to $2 million over the life of the agreement. However, the union has expressed concerns that the league's offer undervalues player contributions and dismisses their concerns.
"We're willing to work together, but we need to see a more serious effort from the WNBA," said the players' union in a statement. "Instead, they seem committed to running out the clock."
If a new CBA is not reached soon, it could delay the start of the 2026 season. The league has told its teams that they can send out qualifying offers to free agents starting on Sunday, but without a clear understanding of the new salary structure and cap, no teams are expected to make those offers.
Under the proposed revenue-sharing model, players would receive more than 70% of net revenue after expenses are paid. However, the union has countered with its own proposal that would give players around 30% of gross revenue, increasing slightly each year.
The dispute over revenue sharing is a significant sticking point in the negotiations, and both sides seem committed to their positions. The league's offer would provide for a minimum salary growth from $120,000 to approximately $250,000, while the union seeks higher increases.
As the WNBA continues to experience unprecedented popularity and growth, the players' union emphasizes the importance of a deal that significantly increases player salaries and enhances the overall player experience. However, it appears that the league's offer may not meet their demands, leaving the negotiations in limbo.
The WNBA and its players' union were unable to reach a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) by Friday night's deadline, sending the league into a "status-quo" period without a new extension. Negotiations will continue with the current CBA still in effect, but it appears the two sides remain far apart on key issues such as salary structure and revenue-sharing.
The WNBA had offered a proposal last month that would guarantee a maximum base salary of $1 million for players by 2026, potentially reaching up to $2 million over the life of the agreement. However, the union has expressed concerns that the league's offer undervalues player contributions and dismisses their concerns.
"We're willing to work together, but we need to see a more serious effort from the WNBA," said the players' union in a statement. "Instead, they seem committed to running out the clock."
If a new CBA is not reached soon, it could delay the start of the 2026 season. The league has told its teams that they can send out qualifying offers to free agents starting on Sunday, but without a clear understanding of the new salary structure and cap, no teams are expected to make those offers.
Under the proposed revenue-sharing model, players would receive more than 70% of net revenue after expenses are paid. However, the union has countered with its own proposal that would give players around 30% of gross revenue, increasing slightly each year.
The dispute over revenue sharing is a significant sticking point in the negotiations, and both sides seem committed to their positions. The league's offer would provide for a minimum salary growth from $120,000 to approximately $250,000, while the union seeks higher increases.
As the WNBA continues to experience unprecedented popularity and growth, the players' union emphasizes the importance of a deal that significantly increases player salaries and enhances the overall player experience. However, it appears that the league's offer may not meet their demands, leaving the negotiations in limbo.
ugh its so frustrating how the wnba is getting robbed outta there rightful earnings 
i mean think about it the players are carrying the league to new heights and they're getting peanuts 
meanwhile the owners r reaping all the benefits 
i feel like the union is justified in pushing for a bigger share of the revenue pie 
especially when you consider the wnba is basically a small little league compared to nba and nfl but still it gets all the attention 
and dont even get me started on the revenue sharing model 
if the players are gonna be getting less than 30% of gross revenue it just aint fair 
not like they're just cogs in a machine 
I don't get why they can't just agree on something already... Both sides seem really far apart on revenue sharing and salary structures. It's like they're playing a game of chicken 
. The players are saying they want a bigger share, but the league is offering more than enough to make them happy. It's not like they're asking for the moon! 
I think the WNBA needs to rethink its approach on player compensation and benefits. They should be willing to negotiate and find a middle ground that works for both sides 
.
the league needs to step up their game & treat these women with the respect they deserve 
. I mean, can't they just get along for once?! The players are clearly not being treated fairly and it's like the league thinks they're just gonna roll over and accept whatever offer they give them. Newsflash: we're talented athletes who deserve better 
. And the worst part is, if they don't get it together soon, there's going to be no 2026 season 
.
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! like, they're tryna push players 2 a max base salary of $1 million by 2026? dat's not even close 2 what most ppl r makin in other sports 
They need to step up their game and meet the players halfway if they want to keep their top talent 
. Fingers crossed they can iron out the details soon! 
. The proposed $1 million base salary by 2026 seems woefully inadequate, especially considering the league's growing popularity and revenue. I think the union has legitimate concerns about undervaluing player contributions and need a more substantial commitment from the WNBA.
. A status quo without a new extension could delay the start of the 2026 season, which would be detrimental to the players' careers and the league's own reputation. I'm not surprised that the union wants more than 70% of net revenue after expenses are paid – it's reasonable to expect a significant increase in player salaries.
). The revenue-sharing model is all well and good, but it's not about the numbers alone – it's about fairness and respect for the athletes' hard work. If the WNBA can't get on board with that, then maybe they're just not willing to make a real change 
the players are saying that the league's offer is unfair and undervalues their contributions which i gotta agree with...
️. And a 30% share? More like 10-15% if you ask me 
. Newsflash: the WNBA players are still going strong and they're not afraid to speak up when they see something that ain't right 
. So, let's keep pushing for a fair deal and hope that these negotiations get resolved ASAP 
I'm watching this unfold and it makes me think about the value we place on women's sports. The WNBA is one of the only leagues where female athletes are paid a fraction of what their male counterparts earn. It's like we're still debating whether they should get equal pay just because of gender 
. The WNBA players deserve so much better than just $1 million base salary by 2026 
.
. I'm Team Union all the way 
. It's not about just getting by, it's about feeling valued and respected 
, the season might be in jeopardy 
. Fingers crossed 
for a resolution that benefits everyone 
!