The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) were unable to reach a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) by the deadline of March 15, 2024. Both parties are now in a state of negotiation, as the previous agreement has expired, complicating the landscape for players and teams alike.
With the CBA now lapsed, discussions include a proposed moratorium on the initial phases of free agency. This moratorium, suggested by the league, aims to pause the process where teams typically extend qualifying offers and core designations to players. According to sources, the league formalized this proposal late on Friday night, and the WNBPA is currently reviewing it.
Sources informed ESPN that WNBA franchises have been advised to prepare for extending qualifying offers and core designations under the terms of the expired agreement. Teams may begin this process as early as Sunday and continue until January 20, 2025. Given the ongoing negotiations for a new salary system—which could significantly increase player compensation—many players are likely to delay signing contracts.
As the previous CBA has now expired, both parties enter a “status quo” period. This means that the working conditions from the former agreement will remain in place while negotiations continue. However, the expiration also opens the possibility of a work stoppage, whether through a player strike or a lockout by the league owners. Sources have noted that the WNBA has not considered a lockout at this time.
The WNBPA expressed disappointment in a recent statement, asserting that despite their willingness to compromise, the WNBA has not reciprocated with the same commitment. The players’ union emphasized, “Pay equity is not optional and progress is long overdue,” urging the league to rise to the moment and meet the players’ demands.
In response, the WNBA acknowledged the critical need for a deal that enhances player salaries and supports the league’s long-term growth. The league stated, “As the league experiences a pivotal time of unprecedented popularity and growth, we recognize the importance of building upon that momentum.”
Discussions remain contentious, particularly regarding revenue sharing. The league has proposed a system where players would receive an average of **70%** of net revenue over the agreement’s duration. This includes an uncapped revenue sharing element, a maximum salary increase from **$1.3 million** to nearly **$2 million**, and average salaries potentially exceeding **$530,000**. Furthermore, the minimum salary would rise to more than **$250,000** in the first year alone, with a salary cap set at **$5 million**, excluding revenue sharing payouts.
In contrast, the WNBPA has submitted a proposal featuring a salary cap projected at approximately **$12.5 million** by 2026, significantly higher than the current cap. This proposal also includes an average player salary of around **$1 million** and a maximum salary of **$2.5 million**. Recent discussions indicated that the union is now advocating for a salary cap closer to **$10.5 million**, proposing that players receive about **30%** of gross revenue.
The ongoing negotiations reflect the growing tensions as both sides seek a deal that not only addresses player compensation but also paves the way for the future of women’s basketball. With all but two of the league’s veterans entering free agency, the outcome of these discussions will be crucial for the direction of the WNBA in the coming years.
