9 months ago
WNBA Faces Lockout Threat Over Revenue Share Dispute
The WNBA and its players are having a hard time agreeing on a new contract.
The players want a bigger share of the money the league makes, like the NBA has.
The league has offered to increase salaries, but the players want more.
There's a risk that the season might be canceled if they can't agree.
Other basketball leagues are offering higher salaries, which makes it harder for the WNBA to keep its players happy.
Both sides need to find a middle ground to avoid a work stoppage.
WNBA and WNBPA extend CBA to 9 January 2026 to avoid immediate lockout.
Players demand revenue-sharing similar to NBA's 50-50 split, not just fixed salary increases.
League offers to increase maximum salary to $1.1 million and minimum to $220,000.
Rival leagues like Unrivaled and Project B offer higher salaries, attracting WNBA players.
Failure to reach an agreement risks work stoppage and potential damage to the league's popularity.
- Who
- WNBA players and league organizers
- What
- Negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
- Where
- United States
- When
- Current CBA extended to 9 January 2026
- Why
- Players demand revenue share similar to NBA, league offers salary increases
Key facts
- Current CBA Extension
- 9 January 2026
- Proposed Maximum Salary
- Proposed Average Player Salary
- Proposed Minimum Salary
- Rival League Salary
- Project B Salary Offer
- Up to $2 million
- WNBPA President
- Nneka Ogwumike
Quotes
Daniel Kelly II
Associate dean and professor at New York University specializing in sports law
“Players are pushing for revenue-sharing arrangements similar to those in men’s professional leagues, rather than fixed salary increases that don’t keep pace with the WNBA’s growth in media deals and team valuations. The business is growing exponentially, yet they want the players salaries to increase at a fixed amount.”
firstpost.com
