WNBPA and WNBA Negotiate Landmark 2026 CBA Deal

Players Association Seeks 'Transformational' Change as Sides Debate Revenue Sharing

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:08pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented WNBA basketball game, with the players' figures and the court broken down into abstract shapes and forms in a vibrant color palette.The WNBPA's high-stakes negotiations with the WNBA over player compensation and revenue sharing will shape the future of women's professional basketball.Syracuse Today

The Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) and the WNBA are engaged in intense collective bargaining negotiations to determine the league's future. Led by WNBPA Executive Director Terri Carmichael Jackson, the players are pushing for a 'transformational' agreement that would significantly improve their compensation and working conditions.

Why it matters

These negotiations represent a pivotal moment for women's professional sports, with the WNBA potentially setting a new standard for gender equality and fair pay in athletics. The outcome will have far-reaching implications, not just for the league and its players, but for the broader movement towards equity in the industry.

The details

The two sides have been locked in marathon bargaining sessions, with both making concessions on various ancillary issues. However, the core sticking point remains the revenue-sharing model. The WNBA's latest proposal offers players over 70% of net revenue, a significant improvement from their initial offer of less than 15% of gross revenue. In contrast, the union is seeking 26% of gross revenue, a figure the league deems 'unrealistic'. Finding the right balance to ensure the league's financial health while providing fair compensation to players is the delicate challenge facing negotiators.

  • The current CBA is set to expire at the end of the 2025 season.
  • Negotiations have been ongoing for several weeks, with both sides putting in double-digit hours each day.

The players

Terri Carmichael Jackson

The executive director of the WNBPA, who has been leading the players' push for 'transformational' change in the league's compensation and working conditions.

WNBA

The professional women's basketball league that is negotiating the new CBA with the players' union.

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What they’re saying

“Transformational change is the ultimate goal. This is about ensuring the league and its players move forward together, with progress being the driving force.”

— Terri Carmichael Jackson, Executive Director, WNBPA

“The league's proposal suggests players receive over 70% of net revenue, which is a significant improvement from their initial offer. However, the union's counteroffer of 26% of gross revenue is deemed 'unrealistic' by the WNBA.”

— Unnamed Source, Negotiator

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These negotiations represent a crucial step towards achieving true gender equality in sports. The WNBA has a unique opportunity to set a new standard for women's professional leagues, ensuring that female athletes receive fair compensation and recognition for their talents and contributions to the game.