The WNBA and its players’ association met on Monday to continue ongoing negotiations toward a new collective bargaining agreement.
The two sides reportedly talked face-to-face in New York City, the first such meeting in weeks. However, after three hours at the NBA’s offices, WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike declined to speak to the media about any developments as she left.
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“No, we can’t talk,” she said.WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert also attended Monday’s meeting along with members of the labor relations committee and New York and Liberty owners Clara Wu and Joe Tsai. From the player side, union vice president Alysha Clark, treasurer Brianna Turner and player representative Stefanie Dolson were in attendance as well.
Vice presidents and Unrivaled co-founders Napheesa Collier (travel issues) and Breanna Stewart did not attend in person and participated virtually. Los Angeles Sparks guard and vice president Kelsey Plum, who was traveling with Collier, also attended via video call.
The WNBA and players’ union have been at an impasse, extending the negotiation deadline twice before entering a “status quo” period on Jan. 9.
Under “status quo,” the working conditions established in the current CBA remain as is, allowing both sides to continue negotiating. The current agreement also prevents either side from engaging in a work stoppage without giving notice.
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The main source of contention between the WNBA and the WNBPA continues to be revenue sharing. The players are reportedly prioritizing increased revenue sharing and salary structures. However, the sides differ on whether revenue sharing should be net or gross income, the percentage of the share and the salary cap.
In the league’s latest offer, the WNBA reportedly proposed a system where players would receive in excess of 70% of net revenue, a person with direct knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The WNBA’s offer also includes a maximum $1 million base salary, with a projected revenue-sharing component that raises players’ max total earnings to more than $1.3 million in 2026. The maximum salary would grow to nearly $2 million over the life of the agreement. The proposal raises the minimum salary to more than $250K and the average salary to more than $530K, growing to more than $780,000 over the life of the deal.
Pending a CBA agreement by the WNBA and WNBPA, the 2026 WNBA season is scheduled to begin May 8. It will be the league’s 30th season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WNBA, players’ union meet for three hours in ongoing CBA negotiations
