As the WNBA and its players’ union rush to finalize a new collective bargaining agreement before a critical deadline, a fundamental dispute over revenue sharing threatens to delay the 2026 season, jeopardizing expansion plans and the league’s momentum.
The WNBA and the players’ union are scheduled to meet on Tuesday to continue negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement, with a deadline to secure a deal that would allow the 2026 season to start on time fast approachingAssociated Press. The league had previously stated that at least a handshake agreement would need to be reached by Tuesday to finalize the deal by the end of the month, enabling the season to tip off on May 8.
Should a deal be reached, the league has outlined a detailed timeline for the offseason:
- Expansion draft for Portland and Toronto: April 1–6
- Free agent qualifying offers (including franchise player tags): April 7–8
- Negotiation period for free agents (over 80% of players): April 12–18
- Training camps open: April 19
- Season start: May 8
At the heart of the impasse is revenue sharing. The union’s most recent proposal, submitted a week ago, requested an average of 26% of gross revenue—revenue before expenses—over the life of the CBA, with only 25% in the first yearAssociated Press. The league, meanwhile, has insisted its offers exceed 70% of net revenue (after expenses), with that percentage increasing as the league grows. The WNBA has characterized the union’s 26% gross demand as unrealistic, highlighting the fundamental philosophical divide over how to define and distribute league revenues.
The negotiations have drawn public commentary from the league’s biggest stars. At USA Basketball training camp, Caitlin Clark urged both sides to abandon the back-and-forth of proposals and instead lock themselves in a room until a deal is done. “I don’t understand why we don’t just get in a room and iron it out and shake hands,” Clark said. “That’s how business is. You look each other in the eye, you shake hands, you respect both sides. For me, that’s what I would love to see.”
Union vice president Breanna Stewart, a two-time WNBA champion with the New York Liberty, echoed that sentiment. “I think that would be great for us all to sit in a room until we really get it done,” Stewart said. “If that means sitting in there for hours and hours at a time, let’s do it. That’s for the better of the player. While a situation like that has never happened before, there’s a first time for everything.”
The stakes extend far beyond the coming season. The WNBA is poised for a major expansion, adding teams in Portland and Toronto, and has seen a surge in popularity and media attention, partly driven by the emergence of talents like Clark. A work stoppage or delayed season would derail momentum, impact the league’s growing revenue streams, and potentially alienate a growing fanbase. The league’s financial health is intrinsically linked to its ability to fairly compensate its players, many of whom have advocated for a larger share of the league’s burgeoning revenues. The current dispute over gross versus net revenue sharing is not merely a numbers game—it reflects deeper disagreements about the league’s valuation and future trajectory.
Fans have watched the negotiations with mounting anxiety. The excitement surrounding the 2026 season, which was expected to feature the league’s first expansion in a decade and the continued rise of young superstars, now hangs in the balance. Social media is abuzz with speculation about potential lockouts, missed seasons, and the long-term impact on the sport’s growth. Many supporters are calling on both sides to find common ground, recognizing that a prolonged stalemate could set back the league’s progress by years.
With time running out, Tuesday’s meeting represents a crucial juncture. The league and union must bridge their differences on revenue sharing to avoid a postpone or cancellation of the 2026 season. The outcome will shape the WNBA’s landscape for years to come, affecting everything from player salaries to expansion viability. Both sides have expressed a desire to reach an agreement, but until the core financial dispute is resolved, the season’s start remains in jeopardy.
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