The WNBA and Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) have failed to reach a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) by the January 10, 2026 deadline, leaving the league in a state of uncertainty. However, negotiations are ongoing, with a proposed moratorium on free agency in the spotlight. This moratorium aims to prevent teams from making qualifying offers and core designations to players until a new CBA is agreed upon.
The WNBPA has expressed frustration, stating that the WNBA and its teams have not demonstrated the same willingness to compromise as the players. They accuse the league of undervaluing player contributions and dismissing player concerns. Despite this, the players remain committed to securing a transformative new CBA, emphasizing the importance of pay equity and progress.
The league, on the other hand, is focused on increasing player salaries, enhancing the overall player experience, and supporting the long-term growth of the league. They have proposed a revenue-sharing system where players would receive an average of 70% of net revenue over the agreement's lifetime. This includes a significant raise in maximum salaries, average salaries, and minimum salaries, with a salary cap of $5 million in the first year.
In contrast, the current WNBA supermax salary is significantly lower, at $249,244, while the average salary is $120,000, and the minimum salary is $66,079. The WNBPA, however, has proposed a higher salary cap of approximately $12.5 million, with an average player salary of around $1 million and a maximum salary of $2.5 million.
The key issue lies in the revenue-sharing system, with the league and WNBPA having differing views on how revenue should be distributed. The league's proposal would see players receive a substantial portion of net revenue, while the WNBPA's proposal focuses on a higher percentage of gross revenue. These negotiations are crucial for the future of the WNBA, with the potential for a work stoppage looming if an agreement is not reached.
