Sources: New WNBA proposal includes housing for players in '26 - ESPN

ESPN

by Alexa Philippou

February 21, 2026

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The WNBA has submitted a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) proposal, which includes a significant focus on player housing. According to sources, the league’s latest offer guarantees housing for all players starting in 2026, with provisions phasing out over subsequent years. The proposal outlines specific housing options: one-bedroom apartments for minimum-salary players and studio units for developmental players in 2027 and 2028. This comes after a six-week negotiation stalemate and just days following the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) counterproposal. The WNBPA had previously suggested continuing housing support for lower-salaried players throughout the agreement, while phasing out obligations for those on multiyear deals earning near-maximum salaries. However, the league’s proposal diverges from this, with housing guaranteed only until 2026 before being phased out entirely. This reflects a key point of contention between the two sides, as both appear to have differing priorities in negotiations. Revenue sharing remains a major sticking point. The WNBPA has proposed an average of 27.5% of gross revenue for players, while the WNBA counters with an offer of approximately 70% of net revenue—equivalent to less than 15% of gross revenue. The league also projects significant losses if the WNBPA’s

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/21/2026