WNBA Season Delay: Union President Updates

The WNBA is facing a potential delay to the start of its 2026 season as negotiations between the league and the players’ union stall over key financial issues. Despite expressing confidence that games will be played this year, WNBA players’ union president Nneka Ogwumike acknowledged “significant work remains” to reach a new collective bargaining agreement.

Revenue Sharing at the Heart of the Dispute

The primary sticking point in negotiations is revenue sharing. Players are seeking approximately 30% of the gross revenue – money earned before expenses are deducted – in the first year of the new agreement. The league’s current proposal offers players in excess of 70% of the net revenue, which is what remains after expenses like facilities upgrades, charter flights, and operational costs are paid.

Did You Know? Players voted to authorize a strike in December, giving union leadership the option to call for a work stoppage if negotiations fail to progress.

Awaiting a Response

Ogwumike stated the union submitted a proposal to the league more than six weeks ago and is still awaiting a response. She expressed disappointment at the lack of movement from the league’s side. However, she also noted that the waiting period has allowed union leadership to connect with players and gauge their perspectives.

According to an anonymous source familiar with the negotiations, the league previously considered the union’s initial proposal too similar to a prior submission. Following a three-hour meeting at the NBA offices on Monday, the union was led to believe a new proposal from the league would be forthcoming.

Potential Gains for Players

The league’s most recent offer, presented to players on Monday, includes a guaranteed maximum base salary of $1 million in 2026, potentially rising to $1.3 million through revenue sharing. This represents a significant increase from the current $249,000, and could potentially reach nearly $2 million over the life of the agreement.

Expert Insight: The disparity between gross and net revenue proposals highlights a fundamental disagreement over how the WNBA’s financial success should be distributed. The players’ focus on gross revenue aims to secure a larger share of the overall income, while the league’s net revenue approach allows for greater control over expenses and profitability.

Beyond salary, the league has indicated willingness to concede on 37 areas important to players, including adding developmental player slots, protecting pregnant players’ right to refuse trades, increasing guaranteed contracts, and formally establishing charter flights for teams.

Implications and Possible Scenarios

A failure to reach an agreement could delay the start of the 2026 season, currently scheduled to begin on May 8th. The expansion draft for the new teams in Toronto and Portland has already been postponed. The process of free agency, which was expected to begin last month, is also contingent on a new CBA being finalized. With an estimated 80% of players eligible for free agency, this offseason represents an unprecedented opportunity for player movement.

Any delay would have financial consequences for both the league and the players, impacting revenue from ticket sales, sponsorships, television deals, and fan engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest obstacle to a new CBA?

The primary obstacle is disagreement over revenue sharing, specifically the percentage of gross versus net revenue that players will receive.

Has the union threatened to strike?

Yes, players voted in December to authorize a strike, giving union leadership the right to call for a work stoppage if necessary, though Ogwumike stated a strike is not imminent.

What concessions has the league offered?

The league has proposed a guaranteed maximum base salary of $1 million in 2026, potentially rising to $1.3 million through revenue sharing, and has indicated willingness to concede on 37 other areas important to players.

As negotiations continue, the future of the 2026 WNBA season remains uncertain. A compromise will be reached, allowing the season to proceed as planned. However, if the league and the union cannot bridge the gap on revenue sharing and other key issues, a delay – or even a work stoppage – could become a reality.