The WNBA presented a revised collective bargaining agreement (CBA) proposal to the players’ union on Sunday night, aiming to allow young standout players such as Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers to secure maximum salaries sooner than before, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. This new offer was made shortly after the union submitted its latest counterproposal, highlighting ongoing efforts to reach a timely agreement ahead of the upcoming season.
Details of the Proposed Salary Timeline and Cap Increases
The proposal would enable rookies who earn first or second-team all-league honors to be eligible for a maximum contract by their fourth year, eliminating the possibility of franchise tag designations after this contract extension. For instance, Clark could sign a max deal in 2027, Bueckers in 2028, while Aliyah Boston would be eligible this year. The salary cap would jump dramatically to $5.75 million in the first year, marking a 280% rise from last year’s $1.5 million, with an eventual increase to $8.5 million by the sixth year.
Maximum individual salaries would rise significantly to about $1.3 million from $249,000, and the average player salary would more than quadruple to approximately $540,000 in the initial year of the agreement. Despite these raises, the league maintained its previous revenue sharing structure, offering players over 70% of net revenue with increases as the league grows. This contrasts with the union’s earlier request for roughly 26% of gross revenue across the deal, a figure the league considers unrealistic.
Reactions from Player Leaders on Revenue Sharing Progress
Kelsey Plum, the WNBPA vice president, highlighted the importance of establishing a revenue-sharing model as a “significant win” in the negotiations. Speaking before the Unrivaled semifinals, Plum said,
“I’ve always been someone that’s focused on the gain, not the gap.” Kelsey Plum, WNBPA Vice President
She added,
“Obviously, we’re going to continue to negotiate. I can’t emphasize that enough. Like we’re not just settling. I want to be very clear about that. But I’m super proud to be a part of this opportunity to change women’s sports.” Kelsey Plum, WNBPA Vice President
Breanna Stewart, also a union vice president, agreed with Plum regarding the revenue share, emphasizing its progress over previous agreements. Stewart stated,
“I think that while we still are fighting for a lot of different things, we have to realize that the rev share is a win, especially just even coming from the 2020 CBA and the ones before that.” Breanna Stewart, WNBPA Vice President
She further noted the drawbacks of a strike, explaining,
“I don’t think a strike is good for anyone, because as the league loses money, or if we have a delay, we also lose money. That’s not just me as a player. That’s me thinking as, like an overall business person. Nobody wants to lose money, so how can we try to prevent that in all ways possible?” Breanna Stewart, WNBPA Vice President
Revenue Sharing Milestone and Marketing Investment
For the first time in league history, the WNBA is distributing $8 million from revenue-sharing to players based on earnings from last season, marking a milestone achievement. Additionally, another $8 million is allocated for player marketing, further increasing the financial resources benefiting athletes.
Housing Provisions Remain a Point of Contention
One area where union and league interests diverge is housing support for players. The WNBA’s latest proposal included full housing coverage for all players during the current season. Following that, teams would cover housing only for minimum-salary players, rookies in their first season, and up to two developmental players per team. The union sought broader housing assistance, requesting teams to provide housing for all players during the early years of the deal, with the requirement relaxing for players earning at least 75% of the maximum salary in later years.
Urgency to Finalize Agreement to Maintain Season Schedule
Sources close to negotiations disclosed that the league needs to reach a deal by March 10 to ensure a timely start for the season. If an agreement is reached by this date, signing would likely conclude by month’s end, allowing an expansion draft for the new Portland and Toronto franchises between April 1 and 6. Subsequently, qualifying offers and franchise player tags would be issued on April 7 and 8, followed by a brief negotiation window for free agents. Free agent signings are planned from April 12 to 18, with training camps opening immediately after, and a season tip-off set for May 8.
Players Express Determination to Achieve Fair Terms Without a Work Stoppage
Paige Bueckers emphasized a mutual desire to avoid a strike, underscoring the importance of continuing discussions to address core concerns. At a recent Unrivaled shootaround, she said,
“I think both sides are in agreement that we want to have a season, we don’t want to have a strike necessarily.” Paige Bueckers, WNBA Player
Bueckers added,
“There are certain things we want to stand firm on. … We need to continue to have these conversations. We need to have change implemented to move on our stance.” Paige Bueckers, WNBA Player
The evolving CBA negotiations between players and the WNBA will likely shape the league’s financial landscape, with accelerated earnings for rookie standouts, increased revenue sharing, and improved player support becoming central issues. Completing this deal on schedule is critical to avoid disruptions and maintain momentum as the league continues expanding with new franchises in Portland and Toronto.
