WNBA Players’ Union Negotiations
In an interview with The Associated Press, Nneka Ogwumike, the president of the WNBA players’ union, emphasized that while the desire to kick off the season is undeniable, substantial discussions are still necessary to ensure the games commence as scheduled on May 8, 2026. “Every player is eager to compete this year,” Ogwumike asserted, highlighting the union’s commitment to securing a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Key Negotiations and Proposals
Key negotiations regarding revenue sharing remain unresolved. The union is advocating for approximately 30% of the gross revenue in their recent proposals, contrasting sharply with the league’s previous offer, which suggested that players would receive over 70% of net revenue—profits after expenses have been deducted. These expenses include crucial elements such as upgraded facilities, travel accommodations, and medical services.
Despite the absence of a recent response from the league to a proposal submitted over six weeks ago, Ogwumike expressed disappointment over the lack of progress. A knowledgeable source involved in the discussions, who chose to remain anonymous due to the confidentiality surrounding the negotiations, indicated that the league found the union’s latest proposal to be similar to a previous one. However, following a meeting at the NBA offices, the union was informed that a new league proposal is forthcoming.
Salary Increases and Player Opportunities
The league’s last offer, presented last month, suggested raising the maximum base salary to $1 million by 2026, which could further increase to $1.3 million through revenue-sharing initiatives—an uptick from the current base of $249,000. Over time, players might stand to earn nearly $2 million under the new agreement. The proposal slide also detailed 37 areas where the league is open to meeting player demands, including enhancing player development slots, ensuring pregnant players have the right to refuse trades, and formalizing travel conditions.
If an agreement isn’t reached promptly, the start of the upcoming season could face delays, impacting essential events like the expansion drafts for Toronto and Portland. The last CBA was ratified in January 2020, a month after being finalized, and it could take up to two months from the ratification of a new CBA to commence free agency, which has already been postponed. With a substantial salary increase on the horizon, a significant 80% of players will enter free agency this offseason—marking an unprecedented opportunity for roster changes in the WNBA.
Potential Impacts of Delays
The implications of a delay would be far-reaching, affecting revenue streams from games, sponsorships, and television contracts. Ogwumike, who has been reelected as union president, noted that the wait for a response has allowed the union to engage more extensively with players across the league, including recent discussions during an event in Nashville. “This six-week period has been beneficial; it has provided us the time to connect with players and share insights,” she stated.
She mentioned that although the possibility of a strike exists, the union is aiming to negotiate effectively rather than resort to drastic measures immediately. Despite the collective bargaining discussions looming, a strike authorization granted by players in December serves as a reminder of their collective strength but does not signal an immediate escalation to that level. “We are mindful of all options, but our focus remains on good-faith negotiations,” Ogwumike concluded.
