The WNBA has established a March 10 deadline to finalize a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) to prevent disruptions to the 2026 season, including potential delays to training camps and schedule changes, according to multiple reports from Yahoo Sports. Without a deal by this date, league officials warn that the start of the upcoming season could be impacted.
Negotiations remain centered on revenue sharing and housing provisions. The league has offered players a 70% share of net revenue, while the union is seeking over 30% of total revenue, highlighting a continuing divide. An $8 million revenue-sharing payout has been announced, with the WNBPA set to decide its distribution within 30 days, signaling some progress amid ongoing disagreements.
The 2025 season marked the first time the WNBA reached its revenue-sharing target, generating $16 million to be split between players and team marketing funds, reflecting league growth and profitability as reported by the union. The current CBA expired in January, and the new agreement may link revenue sharing figures directly to the salary cap, complicating financial calculations for both sides.
The talks have included virtual meetings addressing housing guarantees for players, a key demand from the union. However, sources indicate that no major concessions on revenue sharing have yet been made by the league, leading to a stalemate. The league’s profitability during the negotiation period contrasts with the union’s call for improved financial and housing security for players.
With the deadline looming, stakeholders will watch closely to see if the parties can bridge their differences and avoid a season delay. The outcome will influence player salaries and benefits and could set new precedents for professional women’s sports bargaining agreements going forward.
WNBPA
WNBA
ESPN
The Athletic
