WNBA, Players' Union Near CBA Deal

The WNBA and its players' union have made progress toward a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) after six consecutive days of marathon negotiations in New York City, with both sides reporting movement despite key issues remaining unresolved. The negotiating teams have exchanged multiple proposals addressing salary caps, revenue sharing, housing, franchise tags, and benefits for retired players.

Union president Nneka Ogwumike stated that while players want to play, they need more tangible demonstration of commitment from league ownership. Sunday's session began around noon EDT with key union members including Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier and Alysha Clark in attendance. Brianna Turner arrived a few hours later.

The league's latest proposal offers a first-year salary cap of $6 million - $6.2 million (Chicago Tribune reported it as $6 million), up from previous offers of $5.75 million. This represents a significant increase from last year's $1.5 million team salary cap and would result in average player salaries increasing fourfold from the current $120,000 to between $570,000 - $850,000 over six years.

Revenue sharing remains the primary sticking point. The union proposed receiving an average of 26% of gross revenue across the CBA, starting with 25% in the first year. League proposals have involved net revenue — revenue after expenses — and union ones have talked about gross revenue — revenue before expenses.

Housing is another significant issue in these negotiations. Ogwumike emphasized its importance saying 'housing is big, you know, and housing is really big.' Prior to the start of negotiations Tuesday night, the union had been asking for teams to continue paying for housing for players in the first few years of the new agreement, but in the last two years of the CBA franchises would no longer have to pay for housing for players that are making near the maximum salary. The league proposed they would continue paying all players' housing for the upcoming season and then change to only paying for rookies' housing as well as players making the minimum salary.

The WNBA had previously stated that a handshake agreement on labor terms would need to be reached by Tuesday to begin the season on time May 8. However, Ogwumike indicated the union never considered this deadline binding, emphasizing they've been negotiating in good faith throughout the process. If an agreement is reached in principle, the league estimates it would need a few weeks to finalize the CBA before proceeding with expansion drafts and free agency.

Both sides plan to continue negotiations as they work toward resolving remaining differences and reaching a new collective bargaining agreement that satisfies all parties involved. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said Friday night that they need to get a deal done by Monday to potentially avoid disruptions to the upcoming season.