As the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement, they are hitting some bumps in the road. With a January 9 deadline approaching, key points of contention include how to fairly share revenue, define what revenue includes, and account for expenses.
Sources report that the WNBA is concerned about a proposal from the WNBPA that suggests players should receive about 30% of gross revenue. They believe this could lead to massive financial losses—around $700 million—over the course of the agreement, far exceeding the league’s cumulative losses in its first 29 years.
However, the WNBPA disagrees, arguing that their model still allows for profitability. They see the league’s financial worries as exaggerated, particularly regarding expansion fees that are currently under debate. The WNBA is expanding to 18 teams, with new franchises in Portland and Toronto set to join in 2026. The league views these fees as non-revenue generating, while the union counts them as part of the financial equation.
The WNBA’s proposal promises over 50% of net revenue for players, which would increase salaries significantly. For context, in 2025, the supermax salary was just under $250,000, while the average was about $120,000. With plans to raise maximum salaries nearly to $2 million and minimums to over $250,000, the league is trying to motivate owners to invest in operations and improve its financial health.
Conversely, the WNBPA is advocating for a cap closer to $12.5 million in 2026, also emphasizing a fair revenue share before expenses are deducted. WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike expressed that the current model isn’t enough, stating that players should not be the last to get paid when they drive the league’s success.
The stakes are high. Earlier this month, the players’ union authorized a potential strike as a means to secure better conditions, even though they hope to avoid that scenario. Ogwumike has noted that, despite opting out of the previous agreement over a year ago, negotiations still feel like they’re just beginning.
As tensions rise, the players remain focused on securing a deal that truly reflects their value in the league. This situation illustrates a crucial moment not just for the WNBA, but for women’s sports as a whole, spotlighting longstanding issues of pay equity and recognition.
For a deeper understanding of this evolving landscape, check out this recent report on sports salary trends which highlights ongoing discussions in women’s professional sports regarding compensation and investment.
