With the May 8 deadline rapidly approaching, the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) remain locked in difficult negotiations over the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Despite more than a year of discussions, the two sides continue to struggle to find common ground, raising concerns about the potential impact on the 2026 season. WNBPA vice president and five-time All-Star Napheesa Collier has expressed a firm stance that a compromise is essential if the league and players want the season to proceed on schedule.
Addressing the ongoing talks recently, Collier emphasized the reality that one party must yield to reach an agreement.
“Well, someone’s gonna have to fold, aren’t they?”
she said, highlighting the pressure on both sides to negotiate in good faith. While she acknowledged the negotiative nature of the process, Collier also underscored that the players believe their demands are justified and fair.
“We don’t think, obviously, what we’re asking for is unfair, otherwise we wouldn’t be asking for it,”
Collier stated.
“But we understand it’s a negotiation, and I think we are trending in the right direction. But, we have to be able to stand strong in what we believe in and make sure that we are getting a fair cut in this pie that we are building together as a league and as players.”
Recent Proposals Reflect Steps Toward Middle Ground but Large Gaps Remain
Just days before Collier’s comments, the WNBPA submitted a counterproposal to the league’s latest offer, signaling some willingness to adjust their demands. The union now seeks 25% of gross revenue in the first year of the contract, with this figure gradually increasing to an average of roughly 27.5% over the term of the agreement. The proposed salary cap is under $9.5 million for the first year, a reduction from the previous ask of 30% revenue share and a $10.5 million cap made in December.
Housing benefits also remain a contested issue. The players’ union has expressed flexibility, agreeing to reduce team-paid housing provisions later in the contract, particularly for players secured by large, guaranteed multi-year deals.
However, despite these concessions, the distance between the two sides is still substantial. While the players are pushing for a share of gross league revenue, the WNBA insists on a revenue split that grants the league approximately 70% of net revenue. This discrepancy is cited as the primary obstacle preventing a final agreement.
WNBA Criticizes Players’ Proposal as Financially Unsustainable
Following the union’s latest offer, the league released a strong rebuke, describing the players’ demands as unrealistic and financially damaging. In a statement, the WNBA asserted,
“The Players Association’s latest proposal remains unrealistic and would cause hundreds of millions of dollars of losses for our teams.”
The league emphasized the urgency of resolving the negotiations, pointing out the need to complete key league activities such as the upcoming drafts and free agency before training camp begins.
They further defended their own proposal as a balanced path forward.
“We believe the WNBA’s proposal would result in a huge win for current players and generations to come,”
the statement added, illustrating the league’s position that their offer supports both immediate and future stakeholders.
Napheesa Collier Stresses Players’ Commitment and Pleads for Patience
Despite the discord, Collier remains confident the 2026 season will move forward, but she openly admits it will require painful compromises from both parties. She conveyed a passionate message about the players’ dedication, urging fans and observers to understand their perspective.
“I hope people just remember that we want to be out there, too,”
Collier said.
“This is our livelihood. This is our job, our passions, what we love to do most in the world. We want to be out there… Just be patient with us. Keep supporting us, and we’re gonna get there.”
Consequences of a Prolonged Disagreement Threaten League Operations
As talks drag on without resolution, the risk of postponing the upcoming WNBA season grows increasingly real. Delay in finalizing the CBA would disrupt crucial league functions, including the expansion draft for new teams Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, as well as free agency and the collegiate draft calendar. This uncertainty raises substantial concerns about the league’s ability to maintain its growth trajectory and keep fans engaged.
With time slipping away, the focus now is not simply on whether a compromise is necessary, but on the urgency of reaching one promptly. The outcome will not only shape the immediate season but will also influence the financial health and public perception of the league moving forward.
As the WNBA CBA negotiations continue, the clock is ticking.
WNBPA vice president Napheesa Collier is confident the season will happen, but it won't come without compromise.
"Well, someone's gonna have to fold, aren't they?" Collier told USA TODAY.https://t.co/qTAmjkQyko
— Meghan L. Hall (@ItsMeghanLHall) February 18, 2026
