WNBA Revenue Sharing Achieved for First Time, CBA Negotiations Continue
For the first time in its history, the WNBA generated enough revenue in 2025 to trigger revenue sharing with its players, a significant milestone in the league’s growth and a point of contention in ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations. The 13 teams will distribute a total of $8 million to players, according to the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA).
Revenue Sharing and CBA Talks
The achievement of revenue sharing comes as the WNBPA and the league remain locked in negotiations for a new CBA, with the current agreement having expired in January after two extensions. The May 8, 2026, regular-season start date is approaching, increasing the pressure to reach a deal. A failure to agree could lead to a shortened season or even cancellation.
The WNBPA announced on Sunday that the league notified player leadership earlier this month that the revenue benchmark had been met. Although the union declined to disclose the exact revenue figures or the threshold required to trigger sharing, they confirmed that players active in 2025 will receive a portion of the $8 million. An additional $8 million will be allocated to league marketing agreements.
Under the 2020 CBA, players are entitled to 50% of shared revenue – defined as revenue exceeding a predetermined threshold, minus 30% for expenses. In 2025, the players’ share of the shared revenue totaled $16 million, with $8 million designated for player payments and $8 million for marketing.
Key Points of Contention
Revenue sharing remains a central issue in the CBA negotiations. The WNBPA is advocating for a share of gross revenue, while the league is proposing a share of net revenue – that is, revenue after deducting league-specified operating expenses.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the WNBPA’s latest proposal seeks an average of 27.5% of gross revenue over the course of the agreement, with a $9.5 million salary cap in 2026. The league’s counterproposal offers players 70% of net revenue, also with a $5.65 million salary cap in 2026.
Additional Player Benefits
The WNBA submitted a new collective bargaining agreement proposal on February 21, 2026, which included a guarantee of housing for all players in 2026, phasing out in subsequent years. Under the proposal, players on minimum salaries and those with zero years of service would receive a one-bedroom apartment in 2027 and 2028. Developmental players would be provided studio apartments for the duration of the deal. Housing has been a requirement in WNBA CBAs since 1999.
Players will also receive $9.25 million from revenue generated from licensing agreements for jersey sales, trading cards, and video games, among other items, since 2020. Payments will be based on years played from 2020-2025, with a maximum of $50,000 per player.
Looking Ahead
With training camps scheduled to start on April 19, 2026, and preseason games starting on April 25, time is of the essence. The league also plans to hold a double expansion draft for the Toronto Weather and Portland Fire. WNBPA vice president Breanna Stewart emphasized the urgency, stating, “Time is of the essence. I consider that both sides are exceptionally aware that this has gone on way longer than it needed to. But hopefully we can really start to be hearing each other and they hear us on things that are non-negotiables.”
“This shows our value and how what we’re fighting for makes sense and how we should maintain fighting,” said WNBPA treasurer Brianna Turner.