The new WNBA collective bargaining agreement is gaining traction after the WNBA sent its latest counterproposal to the WNBA Players Association late Friday night, according to multiple reports.
The WNBA’s latest proposal includes changes to team housing, an issue that has become a sticking point for players. Under the league’s proposal, all WNBA players would be guaranteed team housing in 2026. In 2027 and 2028, only players who make the minimum wage or have no service years will be eligible for housing. Developmental players will be provided with studio apartments throughout the duration of the agreement.
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The counterproposal comes days after the union sent its latest proposal to the league, which includes concessions on revenue sharing, another major issue facing players. In the proposal, the players association would reduce its share of total revenue in the first year of the agreement from approximately 31% to 27.5%.
The union does not appear to be responding in kind in its latest proposal, according to reports. According to The Athletic, while the previously proposed $5.65 million cap for the 2026 season remains unchanged, the league has slightly increased players’ share of net revenue. Employers also reportedly increased contributions to players’ 401K accounts.
The rest of what the league had previously offered – including two developmental player slots, new minimum facility standards, mandated charter travel and more performance bonuses – remains in the agreement.
Last week, the league called the WNBA players’ latest counteroffer “unrealistic” and claimed it would lose hundreds of millions of dollars under their proposal.
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The players opted out of the previous CBA on October 21, 2024, and the two sides have been negotiating a new agreement since then. After multiple deadlines, the league has been stuck in a status quo mode.
The regular season schedule will begin on May 8, pending new protocols. Players, meanwhile, say they are ready to strike if necessary.
