WNBA Revenue Sharing Triggered: $16M for Players Amid CBA Battle

For the first time in its history, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) generated enough revenue in 2025 to trigger a revenue-sharing agreement with its players. This landmark achievement signals a potential turning point for the league and its athletes, though it arrives amidst ongoing and complex labour negotiations.

A Historic Revenue Share

The WNBPA announced on Monday that the league’s 13 teams will collectively distribute $8 million to players as a result of the revenue sharing. $9.25 million will be dispersed to players from revenue generated since 2020 through licensing agreements – including jersey sales, trading cards, and video games – with payments capped at $50,000 per player based on years of service between 2020, and 2025.

Did You Know? The revenue targets for sharing, as outlined in the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement, were initially based on 2019 revenue figures with a projected 20% increase in subsequent years.

labour Talks and a Looming Deadline

This financial milestone occurs as the WNBPA and the league remain locked in negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The current CBA expired in January, and after more than a year of discussions, the sides have yet to reach an agreement. With the 2026 season scheduled to begin on May 8th, and training camps slated for April 19th, the pressure to resolve the dispute is mounting.

The WNBPA, led by treasurer Brianna Turner, views the revenue sharing as validation of their demands. Turner stated, “This shows our value and how what we’re fighting for makes sense and how we should keep fighting.” The league has reportedly issued a deadline of March 10th to finalize a new CBA to avoid disruptions to the 2026 season schedule. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the urgency, noting the need to maintain momentum in the growth of women’s basketball.

The Core of the Dispute

The central point of contention remains the method for calculating revenue sharing. The WNBPA is advocating for a share of the league’s gross revenue, while the league continues to propose a share of net revenue – that is, revenue after operating expenses are deducted. Currently, the WNBPA’s proposal suggests players receive 27.5% of gross revenue with a $9.5 million salary cap in 2026. The league’s latest offer is 70% of net revenue with a $5.65 million salary cap.

Expert Insight: The disagreement over gross versus net revenue represents a fundamental difference in how players and owners view the financial partnership within the league. A gross revenue share provides players with a more direct stake in overall league success, while a net revenue share allows the league greater control over expenses and profitability.

Adding to the complexity, the league is simultaneously preparing for a double expansion draft for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, and navigating what is anticipated to be the busiest free agency period in WNBA history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggered the revenue sharing agreement?

The WNBA generated enough revenue in 2025 to meet the requirements outlined in the previous Collective Bargaining Agreement, triggering the first-ever revenue sharing with players.

What is the deadline for a new CBA?

The WNBA has reportedly told players that a new CBA should be agreed upon by March 10th to avoid impacting the 2026 season schedule.

What is the main point of disagreement in the CBA negotiations?

The primary disagreement centres on whether players should receive a share of the league’s gross or net revenue.

As the WNBA enters a pivotal moment, the outcome of these negotiations will undoubtedly shape the future of the league and the financial stability of its players. Will the two sides reach an agreement before the March 10th deadline, or could the 2026 season be in jeopardy?