WNBA, Players Union Struggle to Reach Labor Deal Ahead of Deadline

League and union remain at odds over revenue split as March 10 contract deadline looms

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The WNBA and its players' union, the WNBPA, are in a tense labor contract negotiation as they try to reach a new collective bargaining agreement before a March 10 deadline set by the league to start the 2026 season on time. The two sides have traded proposals, with the players seeking 26% of gross revenue while the league has offered over 70% of net revenue. With the league's revenues steadily increasing and expansion fees rising, players are pushing for a larger share of the pie, but the league argues that it is still losing money and the players' demands are "unrealistic."

Why it matters

The WNBA has seen a surge in interest and revenue in recent years, thanks in part to the arrival of star player Caitlin Clark. However, the league and its players have long had a contentious labor relationship, with players seeking a larger share of the growing pie. The outcome of these negotiations will have major implications for the future of the WNBA and its players' compensation.

The details

The WNBA and WNBPA have been trading proposals over the weekend as they try to reach an agreement before the March 10 deadline set by the league. The union has proposed a 26% share of gross revenue for the players, while the league has countered with over 70% of net revenue. Details of the latest offers have not been made public. The negotiations have been contentious, with players like Napheesa Collier and veteran stars Breanna Stewart and Kelsey Plum criticizing the league's negotiating tactics. Players have found ways to capitalize on the increased interest in women's basketball outside of the WNBA, but remain committed to getting a deal done to play in the league.

  • The WNBA set a March 10 deadline to reach a new collective bargaining agreement in order to start the 2026 season as scheduled on May 8.
  • In late February, the union sent the league a proposal asking for 26% of gross revenue for the players.

The players

Caitlin Clark

A phenom player whose arrival in 2024 helped drive a massive spike in WNBA interest and revenue.

Napheesa Collier

A Minnesota Lynx star who strongly criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in late September.

Breanna Stewart

A veteran player who co-founded the 3-on-3 basketball league Unrivaled and co-wrote a letter to union leadership expressing frustration at the pace of the negotiations.

Kelsey Plum

A veteran player who co-wrote a letter to union leadership expressing frustration at the pace of the negotiations.

Cathy Engelbert

The WNBA Commissioner who has been involved in the contentious labor negotiations.

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What they’re saying

“I don't understand why we don't just get in a room and iron it out and shake hands. That's how business is. You look each other in the eye, you shake hands, you respect both sides. For me, that's what I would love to see.”

— Caitlin Clark (NBC News)

“I think that would be great for us all to sit in a room until we really get it done. If that means sitting in there for hours and hours at a time, let's do it. That's for the better of the player. While a situation like that has never happened before, there's a first time for everything.”

— Breanna Stewart (NBC News)

What’s next

The WNBA and WNBPA will need to reach a new collective bargaining agreement by the March 10 deadline set by the league in order for the 2026 season to start as scheduled on May 8.

The takeaway

The tense labor negotiations between the WNBA and its players' union highlight the growing pains of a league that has seen a surge in popularity and revenue in recent years. The outcome of these negotiations will have major implications for the future of the WNBA and how its players are compensated as the league continues to expand.