The WNBA has finally delivered a long-awaited counterproposal to the Women’s National Basketball Players’ Association (WNBPA) as part of ongoing labour talks over a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
The move came on Friday, after weeks of silence from the league, and it now puts pressure on the players’ union to respond quickly.
The negotiations matter because they could decide whether the 2026 WNBA season begins on time, with the league currently aiming for an 8 May 2026 start date.
Players, teams, sponsors, broadcasters, and fans could all feel the impact if talks continue to drag on.
What happened in the latest WNBA union negotiations?
According to multiple reports, the WNBA has submitted a formal counterproposal to the players’ union after the WNBPA originally filed its proposal on Christmas morning.
Several union leaders, including WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike, attended an in-person meeting with league officials earlier in the week.
That meeting was meant to help break an impasse, but instead of delivering a full written response, the league reportedly presented slides outlining benefits it had already agreed to offer.
Now, the official counterproposal has finally been delivered. This marks a major step forward in talks that had appeared stalled for weeks.
Why did the WNBA take so long to respond?
Reports suggest the league believed the union’s December proposal did not significantly change from earlier offers. Because of that, the WNBA may have felt it did not require an urgent counter-response.
However, sources close to the discussions claim the league never clearly communicated that frustration to the union during negotiations, which may have increased tension between both sides.
This delay has raised concerns about whether the league can finalize a deal before key dates in the 2026 calendar.
What is the WNBA offering players in the new deal?
The WNBA’s reported counterproposal includes major salary growth and several contract-related improvements.
Latest in WNBA CBA negotiations: The league submitted a proposal to the WNBPA Friday, a source confirmed.
This after both sides met on Monday at the league offices and roughly six weeks after the union shared its last proposal.
— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) February 7, 2026
Some of the key reported changes include:
- A proposed supermax base salary of $1.1 million in 2026
- A projected rise to around $1.8 million by 2030
- An average base salary expected to rise to around $465,000, compared with roughly $102,000 in 2025
- More guaranteed contracts across rosters
- Two developmental player spots per team
- Higher performance bonuses
- Salary cap exceptions for pregnant players
- Salary cap protections for players with season-ending injuries
These changes, if agreed, would represent one of the most significant pay jumps in professional women’s basketball history.
Why is revenue sharing the biggest sticking point?
Despite the progress on salaries and benefits, revenue share remains the central issue holding up a final deal.
The players’ union is reportedly demanding:
- Around 30% of gross revenue
- A salary cap closer to $10.5 million
The league previously offered:
- Around 70% of net revenue (estimated by some sources to equal roughly 15% of gross revenue)
- A salary cap of around $5 million
The dispute comes down to how both sides define “fair value” in a league that is rapidly growing in popularity, sponsorship deals, and media exposure.
Players argue they generate the entertainment product and deserve a stronger share of the league’s financial success. The WNBA, meanwhile, appears to favour a model that factors in operating costs and long-term financial stability.
How close are both sides to reaching a deal?
Union president Nneka Ogwumike has suggested the deal could move quickly if both sides reach an agreement on revenue sharing.
She reportedly stated that once the revenue model is agreed upon, the remaining issues could be resolved without much delay.
That statement suggests negotiations may be closer than they appear, but only if both parties narrow the gap on financial structure.
Could the 2026 WNBA season be delayed?
Yes. If talks continue beyond this month, many insiders believe a delayed season start becomes increasingly likely.
The WNBA’s planned 8 May 2026 opening date depends on having a ratified CBA in place. Without it, the league cannot finalize several major events, including:
- The two-team expansion draft
- Free agency
- The WNBA college draft
In short, the entire off-season schedule remains frozen until the agreement is signed.
What does the current offer look like compared to union demands?
At the centre of the negotiation is a clear difference in financial expectations.
Key differences at a glance
| Issue | Players’ Union Position | WNBA Position |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue share | Around 30% of gross revenue | Around 70% of net revenue |
| Salary cap | Around $10.5 million | Around $5 million |
| Top salary growth | Higher long-term ceiling expected | Supermax $1.1m in 2026, rising to $1.8m by 2030 |
This gap explains why the talks have become tense despite major salary improvements already being discussed.
How are fans reacting to the WNBA union negotiations?
Online discussion has intensified as fans debate whether the WNBA’s growth justifies a larger player share.
Some supporters believe the league should pay players far more, especially given the rising global attention around women’s basketball. Others argue the WNBA must avoid overextending financially to protect teams and long-term expansion plans.
Either way, fan pressure is rising as the deadline approaches.
