The WNBA and the WNBPA have extended negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, giving both sides more time to reach a deal after earlier deadlines were missed.
On November 30, it was announced that the league office and the players’ association agreed to extend the talks through January 9, well beyond the previous ratification deadline of October 31. This extension provides roughly six additional weeks to hammer out an agreement that satisfies both the league and its players.
The talks come after a series of proposals and counterproposals regarding player salaries and revenue-sharing structures. Back in November, Doug Feinberg of the Associated Press shared insights into a league proposal that included a maximum player salary exceeding $1.1 million, a league minimum over $220,000, and an average salary of more than $460,000.
Despite these figures, the WNBPA rejected the offer, arguing that it didn’t adequately address their long-standing demand for a revenue-sharing model that would allow salaries to grow alongside the league’s earnings.
According to ESPN WNBA insider Alexa Philippou, the players have been steadfast in their position. In a November 20 report, Philippou noted that the players felt the proposal “does not meaningfully actually apply their request to have a revenue share system.”
Essentially, the WNBPA is pushing for a system where salary growth is tied to the league’s financial performance, rather than being locked into predetermined figures. The players have made it clear they are unwilling to compromise on this principle, even if the league is offering substantial increases in absolute numbers.
A step toward revenue sharing?
Philippou provided an update on December 1 during an appearance on NBA Today, outlining the latest offer from the league office.
According to her report, the most recent proposal guarantees a $1 million base for maximum-salary players, with projected revenue-sharing potentially pushing total earnings above $1.2 million.
The league also proposed a projected average salary exceeding $500,000 and a minimum salary surpassing $225,000. Perhaps most importantly, the salary cap would rise to $5 million annually and be linked directly to the league’s revenue growth throughout the life of the new CBA.
For context, the salary cap in 2025 was approximately $1.5 million, making this proposal a significant increase across the board. Tying the cap to revenue growth represents a notable shift toward the players’ goals, potentially aligning the league’s financial success with player compensation.
While the current proposal has not yet secured an agreement, it signals that the league is willing to make meaningful adjustments to meet the WNBPA’s key demands.
The extended negotiation window gives both sides the opportunity to refine their proposals and reach a compromise before the January 9 deadline.
With salaries increasing and the potential for a revenue-based system now on the table, the WNBA is showing signs of progress in modernizing player compensation and ensuring that athletes benefit as the league grows.
Fans and players alike will be watching closely over the coming weeks to see if a mutually acceptable deal can be finalized.
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