The WNBA made significant movement to accelerate maximum contract eligibility for star players on rookie contracts in the latest CBA proposal it submitted to the WNBPA, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they’re not authorized to speak publicly about ongoing negotiations.
They confirmed the WNBA submitted a counterproposal to the players’ union on March 1 in response to the WNBPA’s Feb. 27 submission. WNBPA vice president and New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart also confirmed the proposal submission.
In Sunday’s proposal, the league offered to make first- and second-team All-WNBA players on rookie contracts — like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers — eligible to sign a maximum contract in their fourth year. Those players would not be eligible for core designation following that extension. A player on a rookie scale contract that earns MVP could similarly be eligible for a supermax deal. This movement represents a willingness by the league to discuss core designation rules.
The WNBA’s latest off also increases the Year 1 salary cap to $5.75 million, up from $1.5 million in 2025 – representing an increase of over 280%. Based on league projections, the salary cap will grow to roughly $8.5 million by 2031, the final year of the CBA.
The proposal also projects significant player salary payments via the revenue-sharing model. The pay increases benefit all players, not just the stars. The projected minimum salary of more than $230,000 would nearly match the prior CBA’s maximum base salary of $249,000.
The WNBA’s latest proposal comes as WNBPA vice president and Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum views the league’s offer so far as a ‘significant win.”I want to play, and players want to play,’ Plum said. ‘And so obviously we’re going to continue to negotiate and do everything we possibly can to get this done in a timely fashion. But obviously a strike would be the worst thing for both sides, because we are in a [revenue sharing system], so no revenue, no revenue to share.’
Plum’s comments also highlight that while the WNBPA is considering a strike, they are still negotiating. ‘You can continue to negotiate without striking,’ Plum said.
‘Obviously, we’re going to continue to negotiate. I can’t emphasize that enough. We’re not just settling. I want to be very clear about that, but I’m super proud to be a part of this opportunity to change women’s sports.’
When is the WNBA CBA deadline?
The WNBA said a term sheet for a new CBA must be completed by March 10, to avoid a delay in the start of the 2026 season. Opening day is scheduled for May 8.
WNBA recent collective bargaining negotiations
The league and WNBPA last met virtually on Feb. 23. On the call were more than 50 WNBA players, including the entire WNBPA executive committee, along with league staff, the labor relations committee and owners as CBA negotiations continue.
The WNBPA held a separate virtual meeting on Feb. 24 to discuss the current CBA negotiations and how to proceed. The call ended with the majority of player leadership reaffirming their alignment with a December vote to authorize a strike if necessary.
It’s worth noting that even if an agreement is reached by the March 10 deadline, it could take several weeks to ratify the deal. Additionally, the expansion drafts for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo need to be held along with free agency and the 2026 WNBA Draft before the season can start.
What are the key issues between WNBA players and owners?
Revenue sharing and the salary cap remain the top sticking points. Here is where the two sides stand:
Revenue sharing: The WNBPA requested 25% of gross revenue in the first year, increasing over the life of the agreement to an average of roughly 26%. The WNBA is currently offering more than 70% of league and team net revenue.
The union also proposed a salary cap of less than $9.5 million. The WNBA is proposing a salary cap of $5.75 million per year, rising with league revenues it will grow to roughly $8.5 million by 2031.
Will WNBA players go on strike?
‘The players have spoken,’ the WNBPA said in a statement obtained by USA TODAY Sports. ‘Through a decisive vote with historic participation, our membership has authorized the WNBPA’s Executive Committee to call a strike when necessary. The players’ decision is an unavoidable response to the state of negotiations with the WNBA and its teams.’
The WNBPA said the strike authorization vote resulted in 98% yes votes with 93% participation among players.
Has WNBA ever had a lockout?
Despite previously tense rounds of collective bargaining between the owners and players’ union, the league has never been forced to cancel games due to a labor dispute. However, the 2003 WNBA draft and preseason were delayed during negotiations.
2026 WNBA season key dates
May 8: Opening Night
June 1-June 17: Commissioner’s Cup
July 24-27: All-Star Weekend (Chicago)
September 1- September 16: FIBA Break
September 24: Last day of regular season
