Trending Now - WNBA Players Voice Concerns Over Union Amid CBA Delays

WHO:

Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA)

WNBPA executive committee members: Kelsey Plum, Breanna Stewart

WNBPA executive director: Terri Jackson

President Nneka Ogwumike

Lexie Brown, WNBA player

WNBA general managers (GMs)

WHAT:

The WNBPA's seven-player executive committee stated it remains "united" amid collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations.

A player survey indicated that 84% of players do not accept the league's proposal of "50% of net revenue," which is less than 15% of gross revenue.

The WNBPA authorized the executive committee to call a strike if necessary in December 2025.

The league proposed a 2026 salary cap of $5.75 million, increasing to $8.5 million by the sixth year of the agreement.

Maximum salaries would increase from approximately $249,000 to over $1.3 million, and average salaries would rise from about $120,000 to $540,000 in the first year of the deal.

The league's proposal includes players receiving roughly 70% of net revenue.

The WNBA's target date for a new CBA is March 10, 2026.

The 2026 regular season is scheduled to begin on May 8, 2026.

The college draft is scheduled for April 13, 2026.

WHERE:

The negotiations involve the WNBA and its players, primarily in the United States.

WHEN:

The WNBPA executive committee's statement was made on Wednesday, March 2, 2026.

The letter from Plum and Stewart was sent on Monday, February 28, 2026.

The WNBA's deadline for a new CBA is March 10, 2026.

The 2026 regular season begins on May 8, 2026.

The college draft is set for April 13, 2026.

WHY:

Players expressed concerns about inadequate involvement in CBA negotiations and the handling of the process by the WNBPA leadership.

The players are focused on achieving a transformational CBA that prioritizes their interests.

HOW:

The WNBPA conducted a player survey to gauge acceptance of the league's proposal.

The executive committee members communicated their concerns through a three-page letter to the union's executive director.

The league is negotiating a new CBA to address salary caps and revenue sharing.

The Women's National Basketball Players Association, led by President Nneka Ogwumike and executive director Terri Jackson, has reaffirmed its unity amid ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations with the WNBA. A recent player survey revealed that 84% of players reject the league's proposal of 50% of net revenue, which they argue is significantly lower than what they deserve, prompting the WNBPA to authorize a potential strike if necessary. With a deadline for a new CBA set for March 10, the league aims to finalize terms before the regular season kicks off on May 8, while the college draft is scheduled for April 13.