Archive · 1 Jan 2026
WNBA, Players Far Apart on Revenue Deal
The WNBA and its players' union are having a big argument about money.
The players want 30% of the total money the league makes, with a salary cap of $10.5 million.
The league says that's not possible and offers 50% of the money left after expenses, with salaries going up to $530,000 on average.
They can't agree on what 'revenue' means or how to calculate expenses.
The players might go on strike, which could delay the addition of new teams in Portland and Toronto next year.
Both sides are far apart, and time is running out to make a deal.
WNBA and WNBPA are far apart in negotiations over revenue sharing and salary caps.
WNBPA proposes 30% of gross revenue with a $10.5M salary cap.
WNBA counters with 50% of net revenue, starting salaries at $530K on average.
Disagreement centers on revenue definition and expense calculations.
Players have authorized a strike if necessary, risking expansion plans for 2026.
- Who
- WNBA and WNBPA
- What
- Negotiations over revenue sharing and salary caps
- When
- Deadline: January 9, 2026
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Disagreement over revenue definition and sharing model
- Deadline
- January 9, 2026
- WNBPA Proposal
- 30% of gross revenue, $10.5M salary cap
- WNBA Counterproposal
- 50% of net revenue, $5M starting salary cap
- Current Average Salary
- $120,000
- Proposed Average Salary
- $530,000
- Current Max Salary
- $249,244
- Proposed Max Salary
- $1.3M (immediate), $2M (end of deal)
- Expansion Teams
- Portland and Toronto (2026)