WNBA and WNBPA Engage in Lengthy Negotiations
The WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) met for nearly 12 hours in Midtown Manhattan on March 11, 2026, to discuss a new collective bargaining agreement. The meeting commenced at 5 p.m. ET and concluded around 5 a.m. ET, with players departing after approximately 10 hours of discussions.
Terri Jackson, the executive director of the WNBPA, remarked on the negotiations, stating, “I would describe the last 10, 11 hours as a lot of conversation going in the right direction.” This sentiment was echoed by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who noted the complexity of the negotiations but expressed optimism about reaching a “win-win deal” for the players.
Among the key proposals discussed, the league has suggested a salary cap of $5.75 million for the 2026 season, a significant increase from the $1.5 million cap in 2025. Additionally, the average player salary, including revenue sharing, is projected to rise to $540,000 in 2026.
These discussions come in the wake of players opting out of the previous collective bargaining agreement in October 2024, advocating for a revenue-sharing structure that would better align their salaries with the league’s financial performance. The players’ union has requested 26 percent of gross revenue, highlighting the ongoing push for equitable compensation.
The 2026 WNBA season is set to begin on May 8, and both sides are under pressure to finalize an agreement before the season starts. Engelbert emphasized the urgency, stating, “We’ve got to get this deal done. We’ve got to get it done soon.”
Despite the progress reported, details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact terms of the proposals exchanged between the league and the players’ union. Observers are keenly awaiting further developments as negotiations continue.
