WNBA Players Make Minor Concessions in CBA Talks

Players' union reduces revenue share request, modifies housing terms in latest proposal

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The WNBPA has made additional concessions in its latest CBA proposal to the WNBA, reducing its revenue share request and modifying housing terms for players. The players' union is now seeking 25% of gross revenue in the first year, increasing to an average of roughly 26% over the life of the agreement, down from a previous proposal of 27.5%. The union also reduced the percentage of the fully guaranteed max salary for housing and cut the length of the contract to one year for players to be ineligible for team-provided housing.

Why it matters

The WNBA and its players' union have been engaged in tense CBA negotiations, with revenue sharing and the salary cap remaining the top sticking points. The latest concessions from the players' union demonstrate their willingness to compromise, though significant gaps remain between the two sides. A labor dispute could potentially delay the start of the 2026 WNBA season if an agreement is not reached by the league's March 10 deadline.

The details

In the latest proposal, the WNBPA requested 25% of gross revenue in the first year, increasing over the life of the agreement to an average of roughly 26%. This is a reduction from a previous proposal where the union sought 25% of gross revenue in the first year, increasing to an average of 27.5% over the deal. According to a person with knowledge of the situation, the reduction would allegedly save the league $100 million over the life of the deal based on the league's projections. The union's proposed salary cap remains under $9.5 million.

  • The WNBPA submitted its latest counterproposal on February 27, 2026.
  • The WNBA had previously submitted a proposal on February 20, 2026.
  • The WNBPA held a virtual meeting with players on February 24, 2026 to discuss the CBA negotiations.
  • The WNBA has set a March 10, 2026 deadline for a term sheet to be completed to avoid a delay in the start of the 2026 season, which is scheduled to begin on May 8, 2026.

The players

WNBPA

The Women's National Basketball Players Association, the labor union representing WNBA players.

WNBA

The Women's National Basketball Association, the professional women's basketball league.

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What’s next

The WNBA and WNBPA must reach a term sheet agreement by March 10, 2026 to avoid a delay in the start of the 2026 season. If an agreement is reached by the deadline, it will still take several weeks to ratify the deal, and the expansion drafts and free agency will need to be completed before the season can begin on May 8, 2026.

The takeaway

The WNBA and its players' union continue to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement, with both sides making concessions in an effort to reach a deal. However, significant gaps remain on key issues like revenue sharing and the salary cap, raising the possibility of a labor dispute that could disrupt the start of the 2026 WNBA season.