October 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detailed view of the ball from the second half of Game 5 of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs between the Minnesota Lynx and Connecticut Sun at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images The Women’s National Basketball Players Association reduced its requested share of the league’s total revenue in a counteroffer sent to the WNBA on Friday, multiple media outlets reported.
The union is now seeking 26% of the league’s total revenue, down from 27.5% previously. The difference would amount to about $100 million over the life of a potential collective bargaining agreement, according to the report.
The salary cap under the new WNBPA proposal would be approximately $9.5 million in the opening year of the new CBA. That’s almost $4 million above league standings.
The WNBA’s most recent proposal does not change the league’s key financial position, which proposes 70 percent of net revenue. According to several reports, this figure equates to approximately 15% of total revenue.
Another change in the union’s new proposal has to do with housing. The WNBPA is now seeking housing for players whose salaries are less than 75% of their maximum salary, rather than 80%.
The WNBA is willing to provide housing for all players in the first year of the CBA. Additionally, the league is proposing to provide stipends to house rookies, players on developmental contracts and minimum-paid players.
Earlier this week, multiple media reports said the league must finalize a new CBA by March 10 to avoid a schedule change for 2026.
Free agency remains on hold and the WNBA must conduct a two-team expansion draft to secure the incoming Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire.
According to the current schedule, the college draft will be held on April 13, training camp will be held six days later, and the first game will be held on May 8.
–Field level media
