*Because the 2026 WNBA season nears, the league nonetheless lacks a finalized collective bargaining settlement.
ESPN reported that the WNBA Gamers’ Affiliation submitted a brand new counterproposal to the league, modifying two central points in negotiations: income sharing and participant housing. The union’s revised supply marks a notable discount from its earlier calls for. As a substitute of the 31 p.c of gross income and a close to $10.5 million wage cap requested in December, the WNBPA is now proposing a median of 27.5 p.c of gross income over the lifetime of the deal. Within the first 12 months, the proposal requires 25 p.c of income and a wage cap beneath $9.5 million.
Adjustments to the housing part additionally embody a transition plan. The union recommends that team-provided housing stay out there for gamers within the preliminary years of the brand new settlement however progressively part out for high earners on multiyear contracts, whereas guaranteeing full wage safety because the CBA progresses.
Regardless of these concessions, the league has pushed again. “The Gamers Affiliation’s newest proposal stays unrealistic and would trigger a whole bunch of hundreds of thousands of {dollars} of losses for our groups,” a WNBA spokesperson mentioned. “We nonetheless want to finish two Drafts and free company earlier than the beginning of coaching camp and are working out of time. We consider the WNBA’s proposal would end in an enormous win for present gamers and generations to come back.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver commented on the negotiations throughout a February 14 All-Star Weekend press convention, calling the state of affairs “unlucky” given the league’s latest development.
“We’re coming off great momentum within the WNBA,” he mentioned. “In the previous few years specifically, the league has turned a nook by way of fan curiosity, the business success, [and] recognition of gamers.” He didn’t set a agency deadline however famous the shrinking window as coaching camps method.
A failed deal carries important dangers. In December, gamers voted 98 p.c in favor of authorizing a strike if needed. A piece stoppage might delay the season. As of now, the 2026 WNBA Draft is scheduled for April 13, with the season set to start Could 8.
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