This week marked the first on-site meeting in months between the WNBA and the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) to negotiate the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). About 40 players joined alongside several team owners and league executives to discuss terms amid growing pressure to finalize a deal before the 2026 season begins.
Elizabeth Williams, the WNBPA secretary and a veteran center currently playing in Europe, joined via Zoom from Turkey and shared insights on the negotiation’s progress. Williams highlighted that while the league’s previous CBA officially expired at the end of the 2024 season, both parties agreed to extensions before entering a “status quo” phase as of January 9, 2026, leaving the current agreement in force but vulnerable to potential work stoppages. The players authorized a strike vote last December as a precaution.
Key Issues and Timeline Remain Pressing as Season Preparations Continue
Despite the negotiation stalemate, the WNBA released its 2026 schedule in late January, a move that drew attention since free agency, the college draft, and expansion drafts for new franchises Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo have yet to occur. Training camps are slated to open April 19, with the season opener on May 8. The schedule release was seen as an important organizational step, stated a league spokesperson, but also amplified concerns among players who felt negotiations should be resolved first.
The central hurdle in talks revolves around the league’s revenue-sharing and salary structures. The WNBA’s recent offer proposed players receive around 70% of net revenue—revenue remaining after specified league expenses are deducted. In contrast, the WNBPA’s counteroffer would grant about 30% of gross revenue, calculated before expenses, which players argue better reflects league growth and player contributions. As of the recent meeting, the league had not put forward a new counterproposal, leaving players frustrated but hopeful for imminent developments.
Player Perspective: Meeting Sparks Optimism and Highlights Disconnect
Elizabeth Williams described the meeting as a pivotal moment that intensified urgency on both sides. She acknowledged surprise that the league arrived without a fresh proposal given the significance of having many players gathered in person. However, she noted that the direct engagement allowed ownership and league representatives to better understand players’ concerns firsthand.
Williams expressed frustration over the league’s decision to release the upcoming season’s schedule before finalizing the agreement, calling it “bold” and highlighting how it implied a disconnect between league management and players’ interests. She believes this move underscored the necessity for negotiation momentum and helped signal players’ demand for meaningful progress.
On whether the league took the players more seriously after the meeting, Williams affirmed it did, indicating that the in-person dialogue shifted perceptions and demonstrated the players’ resolve.
Misconceptions About Player Demands and League Finances
Williams addressed widespread misunderstandings regarding the players’ financial requests and their impact on league operations. She contended that some narratives incorrectly portray players as being irresponsible or unaware of the economic challenges faced by team owners.
Highlighting league expansion and rising team valuations, she stressed that these indicators signify genuine growth and opportunity for increased player compensation. Williams argued that the players’ proposal is reasonable given the rising interests and investments in the WNBA, and that continued development depends on fairly sharing revenue without hampering league progress.
Broader Significance of the Negotiations for Women’s Sports
The ongoing CBA talks have broader implications that extend beyond the WNBA itself. Williams echoed sentiments shared by prominent athletes like Caitlin Clark, emphasizing that this moment is critical not only for women’s basketball but for the entire landscape of women’s sports and labor rights.
She illustrated how the previous CBA was transformational and noted that the current negotiations represent an even greater milestone. Williams described the visibility of investments through TV deals, sponsorships, and league expansion as public proof that players’ salaries should reflect this growth. She positioned the WNBA’s upcoming agreement as a potential model for wider sports labor movements, particularly for women.
Personal Reflections on the League’s Growth Over the Years
Williams shared her firsthand experience navigating the league’s evolution since entering the WNBA as a high draft pick in 2015. She recalled early career challenges such as players having to share hotel rooms on the road, contrasting sharply with recent achievements like regular-season games selling out 20,000-seat arenas and improved travel accommodations.
She also highlighted the expanding fan base and increased attention on players both on and off the court, referencing impactful social justice initiatives linked to the WNBA. Williams underscored that the league’s growth is multifaceted, combining athletic progress with social influence, which shapes how players approach negotiations to ensure sustainable success.
Outlook on the Possibility of an Agreement and Strike Preparedness
Regarding the timeline for a deal, Williams remains cautiously optimistic that an agreement can be reached within February, despite the lack of a recent league counterproposal. She expressed confidence in the WNBPA’s leadership and advisors but acknowledged that the delayed responses pose challenges.
Williams confirmed that strike authorization remains in place as a serious option but emphasized that players want to avoid work stoppages if possible. She noted that decisions about escalating to a strike would depend on legal and leadership advice, indicating readiness but a preference to resolve the situation without disruption.
Commitment to Play and Appreciation for Fans’ Support
Williams stressed that WNBA players are eager to compete and maintain momentum for the upcoming season but insist on securing a fair deal that serves current and future athletes. She concluded by thanking fans for their patience and ongoing support throughout the negotiation process, reassuring them that the players are actively pursuing an agreement to allow the season to proceed smoothly.
“I mean to the fans like we see them, you know. We see them supporting us, and we appreciate their patience with us and with this process, they’re patience with the league, too. It matters to us, and they matter to us like we as much as we all want to play, and we also want to play for the fans like that’s a big part of the WNBA is the fandom and the people that have been with us from the beginning. So we’re doing what we can, we’re not sitting here resting, you know, there are things that we can move on, and we’ve communicated that, just like the league has things that they can move on. We want to play and we’re but we also want to put current players and future players in a position where they’ve gotten the best deal that they could possibly get.” ?Elizabeth Williams, WNBPA Secretary
