As NBA Commissioner Adam Silver famous throughout All-Star Weekend, the WNBA collective bargaining settlement is swiftly approaching the eleventh hour. The gamers affiliation submitted its proposal, and the league has eventually, responded.
It has been 43 days since the latest CBA deadline expired on Jan. 9. Since then, either side have made their concessions. Most lately, the gamers affiliation’s proposal was deemed “unrealistic” by a spokesperson. As reported beforehand, a supply with information instructed Ballislife that the WNBPA’s amended proposal would end in $460 million in projected losses. Sources inform Ballislife on Saturday that the WNBA has countered.
The query stays: What’s included within the league’s proposal, and what about different central points corresponding to housing?
A degree of competition beneath negotiations has been the difficulty of participant lodging. Below the expired CBA, gamers obtained a month-to-month housing stipend or got the choice to remain in housing offered by the crew. Overlaying the period of the common season and playoffs, the stipend diverse of their respective cities.
Can verify from a supply that the WNBA has submitted a CBA counter proposal.
The league is proposing housing for all gamers within the first 12 months of the deal.
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— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) February 21, 2026
It made sense on the time, and the Los Angeles Sparks allotted the second most funds per thirty days at $2,353. Given the price of hire, particularly in Los Angeles, solely 5 gamers earned a wage north of $100,000—Emma Cannon, Rae Burrell, Azurà Stevens, Kelsey Plum, and Dearica Hamby. Situated in Brooklyn, the New York Liberty allotted a league-high $2,647 for CBA housing funds in 2025.
A number of different gamers—together with Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson––earned $78,066 (rookie offers). Six gamers in whole made beneath $80,000, so it is simple to see why housing fund allocation was an space of concern.
Housing Enhancements Included
A supply with information confirmed to Ballislife that the league not solely proposed an unnumbered wage cap tied to each league and crew income development, however is presenting a big improve in salaries. A supply moreover confirmed that the brand new WNBA proposal would come with housing for gamers within the first 12 months of their deal (doubtlessly 2026).
The WNBPA and WNBA seem barely out of attain relating to this matter, however WNBA’s newest counter is encouraging. Based on ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, the gamers union was in search of participant housing for “the primary a number of years,” which means gamers who obtain a multi-year contract and a most wage would finally be accountable for their very own housing down the highway. On condition that rookie scale, hardship, and coaching camp contracts pay minimally, not each deal is assured. On this case, a housing finances would make sense.
Based on Zillow, the common hire in the USA is $1,995. Nevertheless, a majority of WNBA groups are situated in big-market cities, with New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington DC among the many most costly to dwell. In 2025, the common housing stipend throughout 12 groups was $1,769 in keeping with the CBA.
With these statistics, the WNBA’s elevated salaries may make up for housing stipends contemplating the league is proposing a most wage of $1.3 million, which is 5 instances increased than the present tremendous max of $249,244 final season. Moreover, a proposed common wage of $535,000 would mark a considerable improve from 2025.
Talked about beforehand, the revenue enhance would apply to rookies, corresponding to Aliyah Boston, who was drafted first total in 2023 by the Indiana Fever. Her wage, for instance, would climb to $541,000, which incorporates efficiency bonuses.
What the WNBA Stands Agency On
Whereas it is unclear whether or not the most recent housing proposal strikes the needle, we all know one factor: wage and income share stay on the heart of negotiations. The WNBA is proposing elevated 401(ok) contributions, unique locker rooms, personal weight rooms, remedy areas, household rooms, amongst a number of different boosts.
Either side have made concessions, and the WNBPA lately lowered its provide with a lowered wage cap from over $10 million to $9.5 million. Based on Annie Costabile of Entrance Workplace Sports activities, the WNBA has not moved from its $5.65 million wage cap provide. Whereas the gamers are in search of a 25% share of income, the league is not budging from greater than 15%.
Time is ticking, as preseason and schedules have been rolled out for the tentative 2026 season. 76 days stay till the beginning of the season, and coaching camp is ready to start on Apr. 19. With growing urgency to ink a deal amongst either side, two enlargement drafts (Toronto, Portland), draft evening, and free company are but to be seen.
Will the gamers union settle for the latest provide? What is going to it take for either side to come back to an settlement? Make sure you observe Ballislife for extra CBA updates.
Sara Jane Gamelli is the Managing Editor and Senior Employees Author at Ballislife.com, in addition to Director of Ballislife Bets. Observe her on X at @SaraJGamelli.
