WNBA, Players Make CBA Progress as Breanna Stewart Speaks Out

Negotiations continue as league and union work to reach new collective bargaining agreement before season start.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The WNBA and its players' union, the WNBPA, have made progress in their collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations, with the league's latest proposal addressing some key issues around player housing and facility standards. However, a significant gap remains on revenue sharing, with the players seeking a 30% share of gross revenue compared to the league's offer of around 70% of net revenue. WNBPA vice president Breanna Stewart expressed frustration that the process has taken "way longer" than needed, with training camps set to open in just over two months and a busy free agency period ahead.

Why it matters

The WNBA and its players have been working to negotiate a new CBA that will govern player salaries, benefits, and other key terms. These negotiations are critical to ensuring the long-term viability and growth of the league, as well as providing fair compensation and working conditions for the players. The outcome of these talks will impact the 2026 season and beyond.

The details

The WNBA's latest proposal included concessions on player housing, offering one-bedroom apartments for first-year and minimum salary players, and studio apartments for developmental players. This was an important step, as housing has been a key issue for the players. However, the proposal did not significantly move the needle on revenue sharing, a major sticking point. The players are seeking 30% of gross revenue, while the league has offered around 70% of net revenue.

  • The WNBA sent its latest proposal to the WNBPA on Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • The WNBPA executive committee held a call on Sunday, February 8, 2026 to discuss the proposal.
  • The WNBA and WNBPA held an in-person meeting on February 2, 2026, their first since October 2025.

The players

Breanna Stewart

Vice president of the WNBPA and a star player in the WNBA.

Elizabeth Williams

A key stakeholder in the WNBPA and a WNBA player.

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What they’re saying

“Time is of the essence.”

— Breanna Stewart, WNBPA Vice President (CBS Sports)

“I think that both sides are very aware that this has gone on way longer than it needed to. But hopefully we can really start to be hearing each other and they hear us on things that are non-negotiables.”

— Breanna Stewart, WNBPA Vice President (CBS Sports)

What’s next

The WNBA and WNBPA must reach a new CBA agreement before training camps are scheduled to open on April 19, 2026. They also need to hold a double expansion draft for the new Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire franchises, and conduct the busiest free agency period in league history.

The takeaway

The WNBA and its players are working to finalize a new CBA that will set the terms for player salaries, benefits, and working conditions for the 2026 season and beyond. While progress has been made on issues like housing, the two sides remain far apart on the critical issue of revenue sharing, which will determine how the league's financial success is divided between the owners and players.