WNBA 2026 Season in Jeopardy as Union and League Clash Over Revenue Sharing

WNBA Players' Union President Nneka Ogwumike Speaks Out on CBA Negotiations

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:51pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a WNBA basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of deep blues, vibrant reds, and metallic golds, conveying the high-stakes tension of the ongoing CBA negotiations.The WNBA's future hangs in the balance as the players' union and league leadership navigate complex revenue-sharing negotiations that could make or break the 2026 season.Today in Nashville

The WNBA's future is uncertain as the league and players' union struggle to reach a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) before the 2026 season. Union president Nneka Ogwumike remains cautiously optimistic, but significant work remains on critical issues like revenue sharing that could make or break the upcoming season. With key offseason events on hold and 80% of players set to become free agents, the stakes have never been higher.

Why it matters

A failure to reach a new CBA could delay or even cancel the 2026 WNBA season, jeopardizing revenue, sponsorships, TV deals, and fan loyalty. The negotiations also represent a pivotal moment for player empowerment, as the union holds the right to strike if an agreement cannot be reached.

The details

The players' union is demanding approximately 30% of gross revenue for the first year, while the league's counteroffer suggests players receive over 70% of net revenue after deducting expenses. The union has been waiting over six weeks for a response to their proposal, which the league has dismissed as too similar to previous offers. However, the league's latest offer includes a maximum base salary of $1 million in 2026, potentially rising to $1.3 million through revenue sharing, as well as 37 other concessions.

  • The 2026 WNBA season is set to begin on May 8.
  • The expansion draft, free agency, and rookie draft are all on hold pending a new CBA.

The players

Nneka Ogwumike

The president of the WNBA players' union, who has emphasized the players' commitment to playing this season and the need for continued dialogue with the league.

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What they’re saying

“Our players are 100% ready to play this year. We want a season, and we're fighting to make it happen.”

— Nneka Ogwumike, WNBA Players' Union President

“These six weeks have given us the gift of time.”

— Nneka Ogwumike, WNBA Players' Union President

“We're negotiating in good faith.”

— Nneka Ogwumike, WNBA Players' Union President

What’s next

If the league and union fail to reach a new CBA before the start of the 2026 season, the players have the right to strike, which could further delay or even cancel the season.

The takeaway

The WNBA's future hangs in the balance as the league and players' union navigate complex revenue-sharing negotiations. The outcome of these talks will not only determine the fate of the 2026 season but also shape the long-term relationship between the players and the league, with significant implications for the sport's growth and the players' empowerment.