WNBA CBA Talks: Latest Updates on Revenue Sharing & Season Start Date
NEW YORK — Negotiations between the WNBA and its players’ union continued for a third day on , as both sides attempt to reach a new collective bargaining agreement and avoid disruption to the upcoming season. Whereas a deal wasn’t reached by the end of the day, both the league and the union expressed cautious optimism, signaling progress despite remaining hurdles.
The marathon bargaining sessions, which have stretched late into the night for the past two days, are centered around key issues impacting player compensation and league revenue distribution. Nneka Ogwumike, president of the WNBA Players Association, stated on evening that players were “feeling movement” in the discussions, a sentiment that suggests a willingness to compromise on both sides.
“At the end of the day, we desire a season,” Ogwumike said. “We want to play. We’ve heard that from the other side as well. We need to see a more robust demonstration of that as we continue on in these negotiations.”
The primary sticking point remains revenue sharing, a complex issue with significant financial implications for both players and team owners. The union initially proposed receiving an average of 26 percent of the league’s gross revenue over the life of the CBA, starting with 25 percent in the first year. The league has deemed that figure unrealistic, countering with proposals offering more than 70 percent of net revenue, with increases tied to league growth.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert emphasized the league’s commitment to improving player benefits and salaries, highlighting a substantial increase in the proposed salary cap. In the latest offer, the league has increased its salary cap offer for the first year to $6.2 million – up from $5.75 million in previous negotiations. Engelbert described the proposal as “a real historic and transformational deal for these players,” pointing to “huge gains and salaries, benefits, everything you’re seeing.”
The proposed salary cap represents a significant jump from , when each team operated under a $1.5 million cap. The league’s offer would see average player salaries increase fourfold, from $120,000 to $570,000 in the first year, and climb to $850,000 by the sixth year of the agreement. The maximum player salary would as well see a substantial increase, exceeding $1.3 million in the first year and approaching $2 million by the final year.
Despite the progress, the union remains focused on securing a fair share of league revenue, believing it is crucial for the long-term financial stability of players and the continued growth of the WNBA. Ogwumike dismissed a previously stated deadline of for reaching a deal, asserting that the union has consistently negotiated in great faith and hasn’t prioritized an arbitrary timeline.
“We haven’t ever really considered that as a timeline that’s been something to prioritize on our side, because we have always been negotiating in good faith,” she explained.
Looking ahead, the league has outlined a timetable for key offseason events contingent upon reaching an agreement. Once a deal is finalized, a few weeks will be required to complete the full CBA documentation. Following that, the expansion draft for the new franchises in Portland and Toronto is scheduled to take place between and .
Free agency proceedings would then follow swiftly. Qualifying offers, including franchise player tags, would be issued between and , giving teams three days to negotiate with the more than 80 percent of players who are free agents. The official signing period is slated for to .
Training camps are currently scheduled to open the following day, , with the regular season tentatively set to begin on . However, these dates remain contingent on a successful resolution to the CBA negotiations.
The current negotiations represent a pivotal moment for the WNBA, as both the league and the players seek to establish a framework for sustained growth and success. The outcome will not only impact player compensation and benefits but also shape the future competitive landscape of the league and its ability to attract and retain top talent. The focus now remains on bridging the gap in revenue sharing models and finalizing a deal that benefits all stakeholders, ensuring a vibrant and prosperous future for the WNBA.