Sources: WNBA Makes Compromises as CBA Clock Ticks

Having revealed several compromises, the WNBA is inching toward an increased sense of urgency in labor negotiations with its players union.

By Sara Jane Gamelli and Geoff Magliocchetti, Ballislife.com

It may not be time for a buzzer-beater quite yet, but the shot clock may be off when it comes to the ongoing labor negotiations between the WNBA and its players.

So hints the latest statements from the league, which labeled the latest WNBA Players Association proposal as “unrealistic” through a spokesperson. A source with knowledge of the negotiations told Ballislife that the WNBPA proposal would result in $460 million in projected losses for the league’s clubs over the projected timeline, a deficit labeled “financially unworkable for a sustainable league.”

With no agreement imminent, the statement stressed the dwindling time to fit in both the conventional and unique offseason proceedings.

“We still need to complete two Drafts and free agency before the start of training camp and are running out of time,” the league spokesperson said, referring to both the traditional rookie draft and the expansion draft to make up the rosters of the incoming Portland and Toronto expansion franchises. “We believe the WNBA’s proposal would result in a huge win for current players and generations to come.”

Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images

Where the League Has Compromised

A source with knowledge of the WNBA’s side of negotiations told Ballislife of several compromises the league was willing to offer. Many center on the continued concern about revenue sharing and salary adjustments, chief of which is a “brand-new uncapped revenue-sharing system tied to both league and team revenue.”

Keeping the players’ wishes and long-term financial stability at the forefront, business health benefits all parties. In other words, there must be sustainable financial growth. When this happens, players benefit from revenue share, teams experience growth, and the league benefits by expanding the game with a broader outreach. When money is flowing, everyone wins, but in order for that to happen there might have to be some short-term sacrifices to secure long-term gains.

The league also proposed an unnumbered salary cap built under similar conditions (tied to both league and team revenue growth) with a goal of creating an average salary of $535,000 in year one, projected to grow to $775,000 by 2031. Respective maximum salaries under such conditions would reach $1.3 million and $2 million. Also on the books would be two “developmental roster spots” that would certainly offer new opportunities to rookies and veterans alike.

The league’s proposal would represent a massive increase, especially when you consider the league’s minimum salary was $66,079 in 2025 and the supermax was $249,244. An average salary of $535,00 would be an increase of over 500 percent from the 2025 season, when it was a shade over $100,000. The $1,507,100 salary cap had only increased by 3% each year. Raising the cap to $5.65 million would be a 276 percent increase, and a max salary of $1.3 million would be roughly over five times higher than the current supermax.

Can confirm @Ballislife received a statement from a source with knowledge of the latest CBA proposal.

Check out https://t.co/kaYgpDDKbW for the details. pic.twitter.com/2MvBeJII0h

— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) February 18, 2026

Whether one thinks those numbers are equitable, it does show real progress in this critical juncture for the growing league.

In comparison, a report from Alexa Philippou of ESPN stated that the latest PA proposal sought an average of 27.5 percent of gross revenue over the course of the agreement and a salary cap set under $9.5 million in the debut year.

The salary boost in the league proposal, the source said, would also be applied to current rookie scale contracts (2023 top pick Aliyah Boston, for example, would jump to at least $541,000 compared to her current five-figure tally) as well as performance bonuses earned through individual (awards) and team (playoff series victories) accomplishments.

Boston, set to earn $94,740 in 2026, would see a significant increase under the new proposal. Under the new structure, her salary would increase five times, a 471 percent jump. That single season pay would be worth more than entire $233,468 Boston earned on her three-year rookie contract signed with the Indiana Fever in 2023. This is significant given the fact three consecutive No.1 overall picks (Boston, Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers) averaged a first-year salary of $76,557.

While the players’ end goal may not be one that exceeds a salary cap of $9.5, it’s a step in the right direction, one that’s considerable growth. This could serve as a bridge to future CBA negotiations where the demands of the players are eventually met.

Negotiations can be tense, but neither side wants to ruin a good thing.

More Potential CBA Player Enhancements

“Other movements,” the source told Ballislife, include increased 401(k) contributions, salary cap exceptions for injured and pregnant players, a recognition payment for legends, and more.” Off-the-floor enhancements featured adjusted “minimum facility standards” such as “exclusive locker rooms, private use of weight rooms and treatment areas, and family rooms during games.”

Codified charter flight and first-class amenities for all “league events” would also be included, as would “enhanced team staffing requirements.”

Just two years ago, players were flying commercial. With charter flights introduced in 2024, the increased player safety and accommodations are clear. These proposed amenities could be benefits the players have long hoped for and do deserve.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Weighs In

Timing has become an obstacle in the quest for a new deal: the league’s statement comes after NBA commissioner Adam Silver professed his belief that negotiations are inching toward an “11th hour” during that league’s All-Star Game proceedings in Inglewood over the weekend.

With the 2026 season currently set to tip off on May 8, Silver did not set a landmark agreement date to avoid the risk of lost games. He did, however, stress the need for increased urgency in the negotiations, which have at least reach a consistent face-to-face state of progress.

“I’m not ready to set a drop-dead date,” Silver said. “But I will say, as I look at the calendar and the amount that we need to get done really over the next two months, because training camps are scheduled to open roughly two months from now.”

“What I’d love to accomplish is sort of putting pressure on everybody and saying, okay, I’ve been through so many cycles of collective bargaining and often things tend to get done at the 11th hour. We are awfully close to the 11th now when it comes to bargaining,” Silver continued. “I’m encouraged there has been more back and forth over the past few weeks. I want to play whatever role would be most productive in getting a deal done. But again, I think we need to now move toward the next level sense of urgency and not lose momentum in terms of the amazing amount of progress we’ve seen in women’s basketball.”

Time is of the Essence

Both parties have made concessions in their proposals, and time is running out. Training camp is set to begin on Apr. 19, and there are 78 days remaining until the tentative start of the 2026 season on May 8. As time shrinks, the WNBA and players union continue to make compromises. In a best case scenario, there would be a shortened season. In the worst-case, a lockout or strike.

The league is listening. The question remains: what numbers are sustainable for long-term growth? especially as the WNBA continues to see gains in popularity, attendance, social media reach, merchandise, and sponsorships. Take the New York Liberty for example: Their average attendance grew from 7,775.95 in 2023 to 16,323.05 in 2025 according to Across The Timeline.

With revenue share, salary caps structure, benefits, housing, and other issues at the core, the CBA is too transformative to solve overnight. Along the way, negotiations can feel like a tug of war, but both sides will have to continue to make comprises to make this work because it’s too important not to.

There is no doubt the WNBA’s current players will be rewarded for their hard work in growing the league, but ultimately, it will be the league’s future players who will reap many of the benefits they seek today.

Follow Sara Jane Gamelli and Geoff Magliocchetti on X @GeoffJMags & @SaraJaneGamelli.