WNBA Issues Critical March 10 Deadline for New Collective Bargaining Agreement
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has escalated its labor negotiations by setting a firm deadline for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). League officials have informed the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) that a term sheet must be finalized by March 10 to prevent any disruption to the upcoming 2026 season schedule.
Urgency Mounts as Season Approaches
This latest development injects a new sense of urgency into talks that have been ongoing for 16 months. The WNBA's 2026 season is slated to begin with opening night on May 8, preceded by training camp starting April 19. Even if both parties reach an agreement by the deadline, the ratification process could extend for several weeks, adding pressure to the timeline.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the March 10 date represents the first concrete deadline communicated to teams and players. This comes amid a busy preseason schedule that includes expansion drafts for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, free agency, and the 2026 draft, all of which must be completed before the season tips off.
Revenue Sharing and Salary Cap at the Heart of Negotiations
A major point of contention in the negotiations revolves around revenue sharing and salary cap structures. The WNBPA has revealed that the league generated sufficient revenue in 2025 to activate the revenue-sharing formula outlined in the 2020 CBA for the first time in WNBA history.
The union reports that the players' portion of shared revenue reached $16 million. Of this amount, $8 million will be distributed to players active in 2025, while the remaining $8 million is allocated to league marketing agreements. Additionally, $9.25 million from licensing deals related to jersey sales, trading cards, and video games will be paid out to players based on years of service since 2020.
WNBPA treasurer Brianna Turner emphasized the significance of this development, stating, "This shows our value and how what we're fighting for makes sense and how we should keep fighting."
Divergent Proposals on Key Financial Terms
The union has proposed receiving an average of 27.5% of gross revenue over the life of the agreement, with a 2026 salary cap set under $9.5 million. In contrast, the league's latest offer includes more than 70% of net revenue, accompanied by a $5.65 million cap that would increase in line with league growth.
These financial terms have become central sticking points, with both sides striving to reach a compromise that reflects the league's expanding popularity and financial success.
High-Level Meetings and Statements from Key Figures
League representatives, team owners, and over 50 players convened virtually this week to continue negotiations. NBA commissioner Adam Silver addressed the ongoing talks during All-Star Weekend, highlighting the critical nature of the situation.
"Often, things tend to get done at the 11th hour," Silver remarked. "We're getting awfully close to the 11th hour when it comes to bargaining. What I would love to do is put pressure on everyone. I want to play whatever role would be most productive in getting a deal done. We need to now move toward the next level of sense of urgency and not lose momentum in terms of the amazing amount of progress we've seen in women's basketball."
Players have echoed this sentiment, with WNBPA vice president Breanna Stewart stating earlier this month, "Time is of the essence."
As the March 10 deadline looms, all eyes are on the WNBA and its players to finalize a deal that will shape the future of women's professional basketball and ensure a smooth start to the 2026 season.
