WNBA makes some concessions to the players — but not the right ones

The WNBA sent over a proposal to the members of the WNBPA this week, days after the players said that the league had not offered anything meaningful in several weeks. While the leadership of the W appeared to offer some concessions (in terms of housing and facility standards), there did not appear to be a significant change in terms of what the league is willing to offer in terms of revenue sharing.

The issue of revenue sharing has been the central cause for the players throughout months of negotiation with the league. The players are demanding approximately 30% of revenue share, while the WNBA has so far offered around 15%. There’s a big difference between the two percentages, and the players have so far made it clear they don’t intend to budge.

Several outlets have noted that though revenue sharing is the central topic (and the most widely reported), players did bring up concerns about facilities and housing in their most recent face-to-face meeting with the WNBA. The league previously sent over proposals that eliminated league-provided housing options for players as well as the league-provided stipend for players who opted to find their own housing. The newest proposal from the W reportedly includes league-controlled housing for rookies and players with special circumstances. That arrangement would last for three years.

It’s not clear what the players think of the latest offer

The WNBPA has not commented publicly on the league’s latest offer, though it’s safe to assume it’s being discussed. The players of the WNBA previously authorized the leadership of the union to call for a strike ahead of the 2026 season if they see fit, and several players have made it clear that though they hope to play in the W this season, they’re open to striking if necessary.

That supports the idea that the players aren’t willing to compromise on what matters most to them. That includes revenue sharing but isn’t limited to it; the players are just as concerned about health benefits and where they practice as they are about what percentage of revenue will come to them. The WNBPA has also emphasized (over and over again) that this fight is for themselves and for future generations — the new CBA would be in effect for six years, and a new deal would be negotiated at that point.

Sources with knowledge of the negotiations have previously said the league did not respond to the players’ proposal (and the 30% revenue sharing request) because the W’s leadership believes the arrangement would create a $700 million loss over the course of the agreement. The players have vehemently disagreed.