The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) announced that the WNBA has achieved a key revenue milestone, activating revenue sharing with its players for the first time. For the 13 teams participating in the 2025 season, a total of $8 million will be distributed among players as part of this breakthrough agreement.
Details of the Revenue Sharing Agreement and Financial Distribution
The revenue sharing provision was included in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) signed in early 2020, which set revenue targets for this payout. Although the union has not revealed the league’s total income or the exact benchmark reached, the players’ portion is reported as $16 million. Half of that amount, $8 million, will be allocated directly to players, while the other $8 million will support league marketing partnerships.
I’m just hopeful that this distribution gives them a little bit of comfort and a lot of confidence in what we’re doing,
said Terri Jackson, WNBPA executive director, reflecting on the significance of this financial milestone.
In addition to the revenue sharing payout, players will collectively receive an extra $9.25 million from licensing deals involving merchandise, video games, and jersey sales, offering another income stream tied to the league’s commercial success.
Ongoing Collective Bargaining Negotiations and Financial Proposals
Revenue sharing remains a key issue in the current rounds of CBA negotiations between the WNBA and the players’ union. With the 2025 draft and training camp approaching, the union has softened its previous financial demands in recent counterproposals.
The WNBPA now seeks an average of 27.5% of the league’s gross revenue under a new agreement, starting at 25% in the first year. The proposed salary cap for the opening season would be under $9.5 million, a reduction from the previous ask of $10.5 million and a demand for 31% of revenue, beginning at 28%.
Potential Impact on the League and Player Earnings Moving Forward
This milestone in WNBA revenue sharing marks an important step in enhancing player compensation tied directly to league financial performance. It reflects growing commercial success and sets a precedent for future negotiations to improve pay and benefits. As training camp and the new season approach, the outcome of ongoing bargaining could further shape the financial landscape for all thirteen teams and their rosters.
