As the WNBA moves to stop paying for players’ housing, here’s where the labor negotiations stand

MarketWatch

by Weston Blasi

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The WNBA's recent decision to stop covering players' housing expenses has intensified ongoing labor negotiations with the WNBA Players Association. The league proposed a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that would phase out housing payments by 2028, with some lower-paid players still receiving assistance in the form of one-bedroom apartments during the transition period. This move comes as players continue to push for a larger share of league revenue—27.5%—a figure comparable to other major U.S. sports leagues like the NBA and NFL. The issue of housing is particularly significant for WNBA athletes, many of whom already earn significantly less than their male counterparts in other professional sports leagues. Unlike the NBA or NFL, the WNBA has historically provided housing support to help offset the financial burden for players who often relocate for the season. However, with the league now phasing out this perk, concerns have been raised about the potential strain on players' finances, especially those competing in expensive cities like New York and Los Angeles. Players argue that the current revenue split—just 3% of league earnings for them—is inadequate compared to other professional sports leagues, where players receive a much larger share. The union has emphasized the need for economic parity and greater transparency in how WNBA revenue is generated and distributed. They believe securing a larger portion of these revenues would not only improve their financial stability but also help address systemic inequities within women's sports. The labor dispute highlights broader challenges faced by female athletes in professional sports, including limited resources, lower salaries, and fewer opportunities for growth compared to male-dominated leagues. For the WNBA, resolving this negotiation will be crucial in determining its ability to retain top talent and continue building a sustainable future as a leader in women's basketball. Ultimately, the outcome of these negotiations could set an important precedent for how revenue sharing is handled in women's sports. As the league strives to balance financial constraints with player demands

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Originally published on MarketWatch on 2/24/2026