“The 11th hour”
WNBA CBA talks reach critical point before March 10 deadline. Players raise sharp concerns about union process and communication in recent letter, while internal divisions grow and major demands remain unaddressed. Unrivaled continues to prove fair compensation + equity is achievable.
What Was:
The WNBA and WNBPA continue to emphasize on negotiations continuing in order to resolve the current CBA. A scheduled meeting by the WNBA has been confirmed for March 10, 2026. The WNBPA represents the players union, and while talks of a possible strike have been used as a tactic to reaffirm revenue sharing, both sides want to avoid a 2026 season delay.
The WNBA sent a formal terms sheet outlining key terms like accelerated max contract eligibility for standout rookies, a salary cap around $5.75M, and increased max/average salaries- but no agreement on gross revenue sharing.
In a counteroffer effort, the WNBPA conceded on revenue share to ~26% of gross average, making adjustments to housing eligibility to 75% of max salary, and capping development player service at six years.
Oct 17, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A’Ja Wilson (22) walks to the podium during the Aces 2025 WNBA Championship celebration at Toshiba Plaza. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
What Isn’t
Players’ voices are being sidelined, divisions are fracturing unity across the ranks, and the league has failed to meet major demands on revenue sharing and economic priorities as the deadline approaches.
While the WNBA has since refused to budge on core demands in the CBA, like gross revenue sharing, the March 10 meeting will shed light on where they truly stand.
Of course everyone is going to have their own opinion about their contract negotiations and what they feel they are worth. Securing off-season revenue to advance their game and replenish their bodies- making for better athletes, could well be one of their concerns as an athlete. The off-season is tricky, but with player-led leagues like Unrivaled boosting leverage, a lot has been exposed that fuels the demands the W faces.
Unrivaled
Season 2 is ending today with the championship top seed Phantom vs. Mist, following upsets in first round and semis (Vinyl over Laces, Breeze over Rose, then Phantom 83-75 Vinyl, Mist 73-69 Breeze).
