The WNBA has delivered its latest stance on ongoing labor talks. League officials informed the Women’s National Basketball Players Association that a term sheet for a new collective bargaining agreement must be completed by March 10 to avoid disrupting the 2026 season schedule. Opening night is set for May 8, with training camp beginning April 19. Even if both sides agree by the deadline, ratification could take weeks.
The latest update adds urgency to negotiations that have stretched for 16 months. It also follows a major financial claim from the union. The WNBPA says the league generated enough revenue in 2025 to trigger revenue sharing for the first time in league history, placing new pressure on both sides as talks continue.
WNBA sets crucial CBA deadline
League representatives, owners and more than 50 players met virtually this week to continue negotiations. According to people familiar with the discussions, the March 10 date marks the first firm deadline shared with teams and players. Expansion drafts for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, free agency, and the 2026 draft must also take place before the season tips off.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver addressed the talks during All-Star Weekend.
“Often, things tend to get done at the 11th hour,” he said. “We’re getting awfully close to the 11th hour when it comes to bargaining. “
He added, “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 voiced their own sense of urgency. “Time is of the essence,” WNBPA vice president Breanna Stewart said earlier this month (via CBS Sports).
WNBA revenue sharing and salary cap, explained
The WNBPA revealed that the league generated enough revenue in 2025 to activate the revenue-sharing formula outlined in the 2020 CBA. According to the union, the players’ portion of shared revenue reached $16 million. Of that, $8 million will be distributed to players who were active in 2025, while the remaining $8 million is allocated to league marketing agreements.
In addition, $9.25 million from licensing deals tied to jersey sales, trading cards and video games will be paid out to players based on years of service since 2020.
“This shows our value and how what we’re fighting for makes sense and how we should keep fighting,” WNBPA treasurer Brianna Turner said.
Revenue sharing and the salary cap have been central sticking points. The union has proposed receiving an average of 27.5% of gross revenue over the life of the agreement, with a 2026 salary cap under $9.5 million. The league’s latest proposal offers more than 70% of net revenue, with a $5.65 million cap that would rise with league growth.
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