The WNBA made a collective bargaining move on Friday, with sources telling ESPN that the league submitted a new CBA proposal more than six weeks after the WNBPA's most recent counteroffer.
The proposal reportedly features updated housing provisions granting both minimum salary and rookie players one-bedroom apartments while developmental players get studios for the first three years of the WNBA CBA.
The news follows last week's in-person sit-down between WNBA leadership and union reps — including WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike (Seattle Storm) and first VP Kelsey Plum (LA Sparks), as well as fellow VPs Alysha Clark (Washington Mystics) and Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty).
Revenue sharing, however, remains a wedge issue for the players' union — one that Friday's WNBA offer apparently doesn't address — with athletes requesting 30% of gross revenue while the league has instead offered 70% of net revenue after deducting upgraded travel and facility expenses.
The impasse could ultimately delay the 2026 WNBA season — set to open in May — as well as both expansion and rookie drafts.
Plus, the ongoing CBA talks are keeping an historic free agency period on indefinite hold — one that impacts 80% of current players.
“We made the point that once we nail [revenue sharing], we can get everything else done," Ogwumike said.
