The WNBA's new CBA proposal has sparked intense negotiations, with housing provisions taking center stage. But is it enough to satisfy the players?
According to ESPN sources, the latest proposal from the WNBA on February 7th, 2026, offered some improvements on housing standards, a significant point of contention. However, it fell short of addressing the players' demands for a fair revenue-sharing system.
Here's the deal: the new proposal guarantees minimum salary players and rookies a one-bedroom apartment for the first three years, with developmental players receiving studio apartments. This is a notable concession, as previous agreements only required teams to provide housing or a stipend.
But here's where it gets controversial: the revenue-sharing debate. The league suggests players receive over 70% of net revenue (post-expense deduction), with a salary cap increase to $5.65 million in 2026. This is a substantial jump from the previous cap of $1.5 million. However, the players argue that this still falls short of their request for 30% of gross revenue (pre-expense deduction), claiming the league's offer constitutes less than 15% of the gross.
And this is the part most people miss: the league projects the players' proposal would lead to a $700 million loss, threatening the WNBA's financial stability. But the players' union disputes this, arguing their model ensures profitability and questioning the league's loss projection. They attribute this discrepancy to the inclusion or exclusion of expansion fees in the calculations.
In a crucial meeting on Monday, the league presented slides detailing their offer, which included increased guaranteed contracts, new developmental roster spots, and improved benefits like pregnant player trade consent and higher retirement contributions. The players, however, remained focused on housing standards, which the league's proposal partially addressed.
With the 2026 season approaching, the WNBPA leadership will soon review the proposal. Notably, the players have the right to strike, a powerful tool in their negotiations. Will they use it? Only time will tell.
As the WNBA navigates this complex bargaining process, the question remains: can both sides find common ground on revenue sharing and housing standards? The outcome will undoubtedly shape the league's future.
