WNBA CBA updates: League reportedly sets key deadline, WNBPA says revenue sharing was triggered in 2025
CBS Sports
by
Jack Maloney
February 23, 2026
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The WNBA Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) revealed that the league generated enough revenue in 2025 to trigger its first-ever revenue-sharing program. The WNBPA shared that $8 million will be distributed to players from the 13 teams active during the 2025 season. Additionally, the association confirmed that players will receive $9.25 million from licensing agreements related to jersey sales, trading cards, and video games over the past six years, with a cap of $50,000 per player based on their participation between 2020 and 2025.
The news comes amid ongoing negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which has been stalled for over a year. With less than three months until the 2026 season begins on May 8, the league and players face a critical deadline: terms for a new CBA must be agreed upon by March 10 to avoid disrupting the schedule. This marks the first time either side has set a specific date as a potential deadline.
Revenue sharing remains the central issue in negotiations. The WNBPA advocates for a share of gross revenue, while the league offers a portion of net revenue (revenue minus specified operating expenses). The players' latest proposal would average 27.5% of gross revenue over the agreement's term, with a $9.5 million salary cap in 2026. In contrast, the league has offered 70% of net revenue, with a $5.65 million salary cap for the same year.
The stakes are high as the WNBA approaches its busiest period: training camps begin on April 19, followed by preseason games and the opening of the 2026 season on May 8. The league also needs to conduct a double expansion draft for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, along with what is expected to be the most active free agency period in WNBA history.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/23/2026