A new WNBA collective bargaining agreement is gaining momentum after the WNBA reportedly sent its final counterproposal to the WNBA Players’ Association Friday evening, according to multiple reports.
The WNBA’s latest proposal included changes to team housing, an issue that has emerged as a sticking point for players. Under the league’s proposal, all WNBA players would be guaranteed team housing in 2026. In 2027 and 2028, only players earning minimum salary or without years of service would receive housing. Developing players would benefit from studios for the duration of the deal.
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The counterproposal arrives just a few days later the union’s latest proposal was sent to the league, which included concessions on revenue sharing, another major issue for players. In this proposal, the players’ association reduced its proposed share of gross revenues from approximately 31% to 27.5% in the first year of the agreement.
The union does not appear to have responded similarly in its latest proposal, according to reports. Although the previously proposed $5.65 million cap for the 2026 season remains unchanged, the league has slightly increased players’ share of net income, according to The Athletic. It also would have increased employer contributions to players’ 401K accounts.
The rest of the league’s previous deals — including two developmental player spots, new minimum facility standards, codified charter travel and more performance bonuses — remain in the deal.
Last week, the league called the WNBA players’ latest counteroffer “unrealistic” and said it would lose hundreds of millions of dollars because of the proposal.
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The players withdrew from the previous CBA on October 21, 2024 and the two sides have been negotiating a new deal since then. After several missed deadlines, the league is operating in a status quo period.
The regular season schedule begins May 8, pending a new agreement. The players, for their part, declared themselves ready to strike if necessary.
