WNBA sends new CBA counterproposal to WNBPA, including guaranteed housing for 2026

A new WNBA collective bargaining agreement is gaining traction after the WNBA reportedly sent its latest counterproposal to the WNBA players’ association Friday night, according to multiple reports.

The WNBA’s latest proposal included changes to team housing, an issue that’s emerged as a sticking point for players. Under the league’s proposal, all WNBA players would be guaranteed team housing in 2026. In 2027 and 2028, only players on minimum salaries or with no years of service would receive housing. Developmental players would be provided with studio apartments for the entirety of the agreement.

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The counterproposal comes just days after the union’s latest proposal was sent to the league, which included concessions on revenue sharing, another major issue for the players. In that proposal, the players association dropped its proposed share of gross revenue from approximately 31% to 27.5% in the first year of the deal.

While the previously proposed $5.65 million cap for the 2026 season remains unchanged, the league slightly increased the players’ portion of net revenue, per The Athletic. It also reportedly increased employer contributions to the players’ 401K accounts.

The rest of the league’s previous offers — including two developmental player spots, new minimum facility standards, codified charter travel and more performance bonuses — remain in the deal.

Last week, the league called the WNBA players’ latest counteroffer “unrealistic” and claimed it would lose hundreds of millions of dollars under their proposal.

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The players opted out of the previous CBA on Oct. 21, 2024, and the two sides have been negotiating a new agreement since then. After multiple deadlines passed, the league has been operating in a status quo period.

The regular season schedule starts May 8, pending a new agreement. The players, meanwhile, have said they’re prepared to strike if necessary.