As the WNBA and its players association continue to go back and forth on the latest collective bargaining negotiations, a $4 million difference in opinion is reportedly causing a stalemate.
On Feb. 17, the WNBPA submitted a proposal seeking a salary cap under $9.5 million and a 25% share of the league’s total gross revenue in year one of the deal — which would average out to 27.5% over the life of the proposed CBA.
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The WNBA issued a response on Tuesday calling it “unrealistic,” claiming that it would result in the loss of “hundreds of millions of dollars” for its teams. But it did reportedly make concessions in other areas outside of the salary-related matters.
Sep 30, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) celebrates after making a play against the Las Vegas Aces during the second quarter of game five of the second round of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
WNBA and WNBPA reportedly $4 million apart in latest counterproposal
Per women’s sports reporter Annie Costabile, the WNBA isn’t budging on its original salary cap offer of $5.65 million and is offering far less revenue sharing than what the WNBPA has asked.
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“The WNBA is still proposing a salary cap of $5.65 million in its latest, according to a source familiar with negotiations,” Costabile shared. “Additionally, based on league projections players would still not receive more than 15% of total revenue during the agreement.”
New WNBA proposal includes housing for players in 2026
Elsewhere in the league’s CBA, the WNBA reportedly said it would guarantee housing for all players in 2026 before phasing it out in subsequent years of the deal.
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Under the league’s new proposal, after ’26, players on minimum salary and women with zero years of service would be provided a one-bedroom apartment in 2027 and 2028 only. While developmental players would get studio apartments for the entirety of the deal.
WNBA teams have been required to provide housing for their players since the first CBA in 1999. In the two sides’ last agreement, teams could provide housing in the form of a one-bedroom apartment or stipend.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Feb 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
