The WNBA has presented its latest collective bargaining agreement proposal to the players’ union, ending a prolonged period of negotiations that could impact the upcoming season. According to reports from ESPN and the Associated Press, the league submitted the offer on Friday, February 6, 2026, following a three-hour meeting earlier in the week at the NBA offices in New York.
This development comes after more than six weeks of waiting from the Women’s National Basketball Players Association for a counter to their previous offer. While the specific details of the new proposal are not yet public, it marks a critical step in ongoing discussions aimed at securing a new CBA before the scheduled start of the 2026 season on May 8. The delay has already affected league events such as the expansion draft for new teams in Toronto and Portland, highlighting the urgency of reaching an agreement.
Key issues remain unresolved, particularly around revenue sharing. The players are seeking approximately 30% of the league’s gross revenue, which is generated before expenses, while the WNBA’s earlier proposal offered over 70% of net revenue—profits after accounting for costs like charter flights, upgraded facilities, and other operational expenses. This discrepancy underscores the financial stakes involved, with players advocating for a larger share of the growing revenue pie.
In previous negotiations, the league had proposed a maximum base salary of $1 million for the 2026 season, potentially rising to $1.3 million through revenue sharing, a significant increase from the current $249,000. Other concessions included adding developmental player slots, protections for pregnant players against trades, and codifying travel benefits. However, union president Nneka Ogwumike has indicated that substantial work is needed to bridge gaps, emphasizing that revenue sharing is a pivotal issue that must be resolved first.
Ogwumike expressed confidence that games will be played in 2026, noting that players are eager to compete. She described the waiting period as a ‘gift of time’ that allowed the union to consult with members, including during a recent gathering in Nashville. Despite a strike authorization vote in December, she assured that a work stoppage is not imminent and that negotiations are proceeding in good faith, with both sides aware of the potential consequences of further delays.
The timing is crucial because approximately 80% of WNBA players are free agents this offseason, making it one of the most significant opportunities for player movement in league history. A new CBA is essential to facilitate free agency, which was supposed to begin last month. Any postponement could result in lost revenue from games, sponsorships, and television deals, affecting both the league and its athletes.
As talks continue, the focus will be on finding common ground to ensure a smooth start to the season. The outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for women’s professional sports, with implications for player compensation and league growth. Fans and stakeholders are watching closely, hoping for a resolution that supports the WNBA’s expanding popularity and success.
