Las Vegas, Nevada — The standoff between the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association intensified late Tuesday as the league criticized the union’s recent collective bargaining proposal as “unrealistic.” With the 2026 season fast approaching—scheduled to commence in 80 days—time is running out for both sides to reach an agreement.
Earlier that day, the players’ union submitted a revised proposal that included concessions on key issues such as revenue sharing and housing. However, the league countered that these changes fell short, warning that the current proposal could lead to significant financial losses for the teams, estimated in the hundreds of millions.
A spokesperson for the league emphasized urgency, stating, “We still need to complete two drafts and free agency before training camp begins, and we are running out of time. We believe our proposal would benefit current players and future generations.”
The union’s new ask includes an average of 27.5 percent of gross revenue throughout the term of the agreement, which is a decrease from their previous demand of 31 percent. For the first year, they are seeking a revenue share of 25 percent. The proposal also suggests a salary cap of less than $9.5 million for its inaugural year, a figure that exceeds the league’s earlier offer by $3.85 million.
In contrast, the WNBA has proposed an uncapped revenue-sharing model tied to both league and team earnings, with a salary cap that is projected to increase annually. Their offer includes an average player salary beginning at more than $535,000 in the first year, escalating to over $775,000 by 2031. For top players, the maximum salary could reach nearly $2 million over the agreement’s duration.
Another essential element of the negotiations is team-funded housing, which players view as a crucial benefit. The union is advocating for housing provisions to be available for all players during the early years of the new deal, although they are amenable to phasing out this requirement for high-earning players under multi-year contracts. Previously, players residing outside team-provided accommodations could receive a stipend, but the union plans to eliminate this option going forward.
As the May 8 start date approaches for the 2026 season, both parties are aware of the pressing timeline. The expansion draft, free agency, and rookie draft cannot proceed until a collective bargaining agreement is ratified. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated recently that he is eager to see a sense of urgency from both representatives.
Silver has not set a definitive deadline for resolving the negotiations but underscored the importance of reaching an agreement to avoid putting the upcoming season at risk. As discussions continue, the league’s recent statement underscores that time is rapidly running out, increasing the likelihood of a delayed season should an agreement not be reached soon.