The WNBA and players’ union have made headway in marathon CBA negotiations, but revenue sharing and housing remain major roadblocks that could delay the 2026 season’s May 8 start.
The WNBA and the players’ union are deep into the most consequential labor negotiations in the league’s history, with both sides reporting progress but flagging two fundamental issues that could determine the shape of the league for a decade.
As of Monday afternoon, in-person talks had entered a seventh consecutive day following a session that ended around 3 a.m. According to the Associated Press, the two sides have now spent more than 75 hours at the bargaining table since last Tuesday, with no session concluding before midnight. The intensity underscores what is at stake: a new collective bargaining agreement that must be finalized to ensure the 2026 season starts on time.
“We’re working as hard as we can to get it done as quickly as possible,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said after the early-morning negotiations. “It’s complex. There’s a lot. There’s a lot of system elements. There’s a lot of structure elements. … This is a big, big league and we want to do everything we can for the players. So, we’re going to keep making progress.” Engelbert’s comments were reported by the Associated Press.
The Core Disputes: Money and Living Expenses
The negotiations have narrowed to two monumental sticking points that represent philosophical and structural divides: revenue sharing and player housing.
On revenue, the fundamental disagreement centers on whether to base player percentages on gross revenue (total league revenue before expenses) or net revenue (revenue after expenses). The union initially demanded 40% of gross revenue but had lowered its ask to 26% before this week’s marathon session. The league’s position has been an offer of more than 70% of net revenue for the players—a figure that sounds high but is calculated on a smaller revenue pool.
On housing, the WNBA has traditionally covered all player housing costs, a practice the league seeks to amend as it aims for financial sustainability. “We’re trying to enter into this transitional space where we are now making enough money to be able to take care of that, but we’re not quite at the point where we can eliminate it outright,” said Nneka Ogwumike, president of the players’ union and a key figure in the negotiations.
Union leadership, including executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson and counsel Deborah R. Willig, emphasized the players’ resolve. “I think the why, frankly, is because the league underestimated seriously the resolve of the players and what they sought to achieve,” Willig said, noting her 50 years of labor negotiation experience.
The Clock Is Ticking on the 2026 Season
If these two issues are resolved, the season is expected to begin on schedule May 8. However, the league’s first two preseason games are set for April 25, featuring Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever visiting New York. Training camp is scheduled to open April 19.
Engelbert could not confirm whether training camp would be delayed if a deal isn’t reached soon. “I wish I knew the answer to that. I do not know the answer to that,” she said. “But you see us here at three in the morning, four in the morning, at five in the morning. So that gives an indication that both sides are motivated at that time.”
Jackson acknowledged the calendar pressure: “There’s a season schedule that has their own milestones. Right? Absolutely. We recognize that and we respect those. We also recognize that these are big time negotiations and so that there may be a need to adjust. Absolutely. And the players more importantly, recognize that, understand that, and are prepared for it as they always have been.”
Beyond the season start, the league must also complete an expansion draft for the new Portland and Toronto franchises, free agency for 80% of the league, and the college draft. All of these milestones depend on a ratified CBA.
Why This CBA Is a League-Defining Moment
This negotiation is occurring against a backdrop of unprecedented growth and attention for the WNBA. The league is capitalizing on a surge in popularity driven by明星 players like Clark, Stewart, and Collier, new broadcast deals, and increased investment. The financial structure established in this CBA will either accelerate that growth or create friction that could stall momentum.
The revenue sharing debate is particularly telling. The union’s shift from 40% of gross to 26% suggests a pragmatic approach, but the league’s net-revenue offer represents a different philosophical starting point. The final number will signal how the league values player contributions against its own financial obligations and future investments.
The housing issue is more than a perk; it’s about baseline support for players, many of whom earn modest salaries relative to other professional athletes. Eliminating housing without a significant revenue boost could impose a financial hardship, especially on lower-salaried players.
The involvement of the union’s executive committee—including Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Brianna Turner, and Alysha Clark—who have been present for the long hours, demonstrates the players’ unified front. They were among the last to leave the negotiations early Monday morning, alongside Ogwumike.
“The fact that they just don’t want to stop, both sides, it’s not just the league side, it’s even the union,” said Jen Rizzotti, president of the Connecticut Sun and a member of the league’s labor relations committee. “They want to get it done. I think it’s admirable to know that they’re paying attention to the fact that this is crucial and time is of the essence and we need to have a season.”
What Fans Should Watch For
For fans, the next 48 hours are critical. The willingness of both sides to negotiate through the night suggests a deal is possible, but the gap on revenue definitions and housing is substantial. The league’s stance on housing indicates it sees player compensation as the primary lever, while the union views housing as a foundational element of a fair contract.
The expansion teams add another layer. Portland and Toronto are set to begin play in 2026, and their draft and roster construction depend on the new CBA’s rules. A delayed agreement could compress an already hectic offseason calendar.
The specter of a work stoppage, while not imminent, looms. Both sides have expressed a desire to avoid it, but the history of sports CBAs shows that major economic and structural issues often require a deadline to force compromise. May 8 is that deadline.
This negotiation will define the WNBA’s economic future. Will players secure a larger slice of a growing revenue pie? Will the league maintain control over certain expenses to fund expansion and marketing? The answers will determine whether the current boom translates into long-term stability and player wealth.
The path forward requires both sides to bridge the gap between gross and net revenue calculations and to find a Housing solution that acknowledges the league’s current revenue reality while supporting players’ living costs. The marathon sessions show commitment, but commitment alone doesn’t bridge philosophical divides.
For now, the league and union continue to talk. The world watches, knowing that the outcome will shape women’s professional basketball for years to come.
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