WNBA's Clock is Ticking: Urgent CBA Negotiations Heat Up

Critical Negotiations Ahead of the Season

As the 2026 preseason approaches, there's palpable tension in the air. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert emphasized the pressing need for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) to be finalized by Monday, or risk significant disruptions to the upcoming preseason calendar, including training camp and crucial exhibition games.

“We have to get it done by Monday,” Engelbert proclaimed. “I should say, we have to get it done without disrupting the fact that we've got to run this two-team expansion draft. We've got to get expansion going. We've got to get free agency underway, and the college draft is just a month away.”

Fast-Paced Negotiations

The league and the players' union have engaged in round-the-clock negotiations over the past several days, accumulating double-digit hours each day since Tuesday, which was the original deadline for drafting a term sheet.

Training camp is slated to kick off on April 19, with the first preseason games set for April 25. Missing out on this deadline could seriously jeopardize the league's calendar, impacting every aspect from player preparation to fan engagement.

A Room Full of Tension

Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) Executive Director Terri Carmichael Jackson articulated the players' perspectives prior to Engelbert's statement. She described the league's previous deadlines as often feeling “arbitrary.”

However, Engelbert confirmed that substantial progress has been made over this week, particularly with ancillary issues during the past two days. “Movement is still the word,” Jackson said after four days of intensive discussions, reiterating that both sides still have a considerable amount of work left to do.

Revenue Sharing Disputes

Central to these negotiations is the contentious topic of revenue sharing. Jackson has made it clear that a system “tied to revenue in a meaningful way” remains a priority for the players. The WNBA has proposed that players receive over 70% of net revenue, while the union's last known offer demanded 26% of gross revenue.

Reflecting on the state of negotiations, Engelbert confirmed that while there has been progress, there's still a significant gap between the two sides. Notably, Jackson warned that if a sustainable revenue-sharing system isn't agreed upon, the ramifications could reverberate adversely throughout the league.

Salary Cap Warriors

The sides have also exchanged proposals regarding Year 1 salary caps. The WNBA's last offer was $6.2 million (excluding revenue sharing payments), compared to the players' proposal of approximately $9.5 million.

“Now we have to continue to do the dance and see where that nets out,” Jackson remarked, hinting at the back-and-forth that characterizes high-stakes negotiations in professional sports.

Player Engagement in The Process

Adding to the intensity of the discussions, WNBPA Vice President Napheesa Collier joined the negotiations Friday evening. Notably, fellow executive members Brianna Turner and Alysha Clark were present earlier in the week but have since left.

“It's meaningful to sit across the table, listen to their concerns, and have them hear ours,” Engelbert stated. This mutual listenership is critical in moving towards a solution that satisfies both parties.

Time Is of the Essence

The stakes couldn't be higher as each side wrestles with the implications of their decisions. With the clock ticking down to the deadline, one thing is clear – these negotiations are more than just numbers; they represent the hopes and dreams of countless athletes who strive not only to compete but to thrive in a league that values their contributions.

As we watch this drama unfold, let us reflect on how these negotiations will ultimately influence the future landscape of the WNBA.