WNBA Union Offers New CBA Proposal with Concessions

Proposal includes slightly lower revenue share numbers and changes to player housing provisions

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The WNBA Players' Association has sent a counterproposal to the WNBA for a new collective bargaining agreement that includes some concessions on revenue sharing and housing, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The union is now asking for an average of 27.5% of the gross revenue over the course of the CBA, down from their previous ask of over 30%. The proposal also includes changes to the league's housing provisions for players.

Why it matters

A new CBA is crucial for the WNBA to continue growing the league and providing better benefits and compensation for its players. The negotiations have been closely watched, as a delay in reaching an agreement could push back the start of the 2026 season and impact revenue, sponsorships, and fan engagement.

The details

The union's new proposal includes asking for 25% of gross revenue in the first year, increasing to an average of 27.5% over the course of the CBA. This is a slight concession from their previous ask of over 30% revenue share. The league had offered players over 70% of net revenue, which accounts for expenses like upgraded facilities, charter flights, hotels, medical services, security, and arenas. The union also offered a counter on housing, where teams would continue to pay for player housing in the first few years, but in the last two years, players making near the max salary would have to pay for their own housing.

  • The union sent the counterproposal to the WNBA on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Nneka Ogwumike

President of the WNBA Players' Association.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Nneka Ogwumike, WNBA Players' Association President (AP)

What’s next

If a new CBA isn't agreed upon soon, it could delay the start of the 2026 WNBA season. The last CBA was announced in the middle of January 2020, a month after it had been agreed to, and it could take two months from when a new CBA is reached to get to the start of free agency.

The takeaway

The WNBA and its players' union are working to reach a new collective bargaining agreement that will provide better benefits and compensation for the league's athletes. While the two sides have made progress, there are still key issues like revenue sharing and housing that need to be resolved before the 2026 season can begin on time.