The WNBA faces a critical juncture as the clock ticks toward a March 10 deadline to finalize a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the league and the Women’s National Basketball Players’ Association (WNBPA). Without an agreement, the start of the 2026 season, scheduled for May 8, is at risk of delay or cancellation. Breanna Stewart, the New York Liberty star and WNBPA vice president, acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the talks and the intense pressure on both sides to reach an accord promptly.
Key Challenges in Reaching a Consensus
The talks have struggled to advance due to fundamental disagreements on revenue sharing models, with player salaries and benefits being central to the dispute. Stewart emphasized the importance of these negotiations but indicated significant roadblocks persist. A recent offer from the WNBA included provisions such as covering housing costs for players next season, yet the revenue-sharing formula remains a major sticking point.
Stewart explained,
“The one thing is what we really can’t agree on, and that’s the revenue-sharing model.”
She detailed the conflicting positions: the players’ association seeks a share based on gross revenue—the total income before expenses—while the league insists on negotiating around shared basketball income (SBI), which factors in profits after deducting expenses like upgraded facilities, charter flights, and premium accommodations.
“That’s the sticking point, that’s the part where any time we get to those conversations, we never are on the same side,”
Stewart said.
Negotiation Offers and Financial Implications
In recent negotiations, the players’ union proposed an average payment equaling 27.5% of gross revenue throughout the CBA term, a decrease from an earlier request exceeding 30%. The WNBA responded that a gross revenue model at that level would result in
“hundreds of millions of dollars of losses for our teams.”
Instead, the league’s counteroffer envisions players receiving over 70% of net revenue, accounting for profits after expenses. These expenses are designed to enhance team operations and player experience through improved travel and lodging standards.
The Player Perspective and Broader Momentum
Players have been vocal about demanding fair compensation, exemplified by their actions during the WNBA All-Star Game where some wore
“Pay Us What You Owe Us”
shirts. Notably, Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark described the current negotiations as the “biggest moment in the history” of the league, underscoring how critical the outcome is for the players’ futures and for women’s basketball overall.
Stewart reflected on the gravity of reaching a deal soon, admitting,
“I don’t know if a deal gets done by March 10. Part of me wants to say yes, but part of me is like, ‘Negotiations have been really slow going back and forth.’ There needs to be some serious movement within the next week. Literally, I don’t know.”
Growth of the League and Stakes for the Future
The WNBA has experienced significant growth recently, with the 2025 season setting attendance records of 2.5 million fans across 226 games, despite having only 13 teams. Television ratings are also rising, with an average of 1.3 million viewers across 25 regular season games on ESPN networks—a 6% increase year-over-year—and a postseason viewership of 1.2 million, marking the most-watched WNBA playoffs on ESPN to date.
The league’s expanding media presence is bolstered by an 11-year, $2.2 billion broadcasting agreement with Disney (ESPN/ABC), Prime Video, and NBCUniversal. This deal positions the WNBA for continued visibility and growth, amplifying the pressure to reach a timely agreement.
The Promise and Urgency of the 2026 Season
Stewart highlighted the potential landmark nature of the upcoming season, noting,
“The 2026 season will be a historic one if we’re able to have it.”
The league plans to welcome two new teams, Portland and Toronto, which will increase participation and competition. She also anticipates a dynamic free agency period with players earning salaries at unprecedented levels.
In her assessment,
“It’s getting to the point now where both sides really need to be able to kinda adjust and adapt for each other,”
reflecting the delicate balance required to finalize the CBA and preserve the momentum built by the league and its players.
