WNBA CBA negotiations: League proposes higher salaries, team housing cuts, and earlier start for new collective bargaining agreement

WNBA CBA Negotiations: League Proposes Higher Salaries, Reduced Housing Benefits, and Earlier Season Start

The WNBA has introduced new proposals for the forthcoming collective bargaining agreement, featuring significant salary increases, adjustments to team-provided housing, and an earlier start to the season, as reported by Front Office Sports. These updates were shared shortly after the league and the players' union agreed to extend the CBA deadline for a second time, moving it to January 9, 2026.

According to ESPN, the league suggested raising the maximum base salary to $1 million, with revenue-sharing provisions potentially allowing total compensation to exceed $1.2 million. Average player salaries could surpass $500,000, and the minimum salary would exceed $225,000. This marks a substantial jump from the 2025 supermax of $249,244 and the previous minimum of $66,079. The salary cap is also expected to rise from $1.5 million to $5 million.

FOS noted that the league's plan would tie player compensation more closely to both team and league revenuean issue players have long emphasized. However, these elevated wages may jeopardize the team housing program that has existed since 2016. Under the current agreement, players can opt for team-provided housing or receive a monthly stipend, which varies by city. Athletes with children under 13 qualify for a two-bedroom unit. Housing costs range from $1,177 in Las Vegas to $2,647 in New York.

The proposals also include moving the seasons start earlier. Training camps could begin in mid-March, overlapping with the NCAA Tournament and the WNBA Draft, resulting in rookies joining teams after the season opens. Under previous terms, April 1 was the earliest possible training camp start date.

The league has been moving toward a longer season, with teams scheduled to play a record 44 games in 2025 and the Finals expanding to a best-of-seven series. Starting earlier or extending the season would also impact players who participate in offseason leagues such as Unrivaled, Project B, and the EuroLeague.

CBA talks have grown increasingly tense amid a surge in the leagues popularity. During Julys All-Star Game, players wore shirts stating Pay Us What You Owe Us, reflecting rising frustrations. Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier ended her season by openly criticizing Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and league leadership for what she described as a lack of accountability. Since then, both sides have continued exchanging public statements, with no resolution in sight.