WNBA Proposes New CBA with Housing Payments and Revenue Split

The league's plan aims to address player concerns while ensuring financial stability

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:22am

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, capturing the dynamic and evolving nature of the league's negotiations.The WNBA's new CBA proposal aims to balance player compensation and league sustainability, as the sport continues to evolve and expand.Boston Today

The WNBA has proposed a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that includes housing payments for all players this season, including those on minimum salary contracts and rookies. The proposal also addresses the revenue sharing percentage, offering players over 70% of net revenue. While the plan seeks to balance player interests and the league's financial health, it has sparked debate over its feasibility and potential impact on the WNBA's future.

Why it matters

The WNBA's proposal is a significant shift from the players' union's initial request, which called for continued housing support and a higher revenue share. The league's new plan aims to find a middle ground that addresses player concerns while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the teams. The controversy surrounding the revenue sharing percentage and housing payments highlights the delicate balance the WNBA must strike between player compensation and financial stability.

The details

The WNBA's proposal suggests that teams would cover housing costs for all players this season, including those on minimum salary contracts and rookies. Additionally, it addresses the housing needs of developmental players. This is a departure from the union's initial request, which sought continued housing support for players in the early years of the agreement. The union's previous offer demanded an average revenue share of 27.5% over the CBA term, with a lower percentage in the first year. The league initially countered with a share of over 30%, but the new proposal offers players over 70% of net revenue.

  • The WNBA's proposal was made in response to the players' union's earlier offer.

The players

Diana Taurasi

A WNBA legend and player representative.

Chris Paul

An NBA player and president of the National Basketball Players Association.

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What’s next

A delay in reaching a new CBA could impact the start of the 2026 season and the expansion draft, affecting both players and the league's operations.

The takeaway

The WNBA's proposal presents a delicate balance between player interests and the league's financial health. The controversy surrounding the revenue sharing percentage and housing payments invites further debate and commentary on the future of the league and the importance of player compensation.