This week, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) presented a counterproposal in response to the most recent Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) offer from the WNBA, marking a pivotal moment as negotiations edge closer to the 2026 season, according to reports covered by IndyStar.
Sources familiar with the developments reveal that the union has tempered some of its earlier demands, notably by adjusting its stance on revenue sharing and housing provisions in the offer submitted on Tuesday. This strategic shift underscores the players’ willingness to find middle ground amid ongoing discussions with league representatives.
Details of the Counterproposal and Financial Adjustments
In the revised proposal, the WNBPA suggests a gross revenue share averaging 27.5%, a decrease from the initial 31% figure initially requested. This revenue share is projected to commence at 25% in the first year, concurrently with a salary cap set below $9.5 million. Such financial recalibrations imply a readiness to balance players’ compensation aspirations with the league’s economic framework.
As negotiations advance, the ball remains firmly in the league’s court, with the WNBPA’s concessions signaling a nuanced approach to securing a fair and sustainable agreement. The interplay between the players’ union and league management continues to shape the financial and operational landscape of the WNBA as the 2026 season approaches.