Earlier this week, the WNBA made a new offer to the WNBPA in hopes of ending the protracted collective bargaining negotiations that have dominated league headlines for a year.
The reported offer seemed to live up to promises made by WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert and her boss, NBA commissioner Adam Silver. For the first time, maximum salaries would top the $1 million mark and grow over time. According to the Associated Press, the offer was made in anticipation that it would resolve the lengthy CBA standoff at last.
But per multiple reports on Thursday, the WNBPA is unmoved by the offer. And with only nine days to go until the 2020 CBA expires, the chances of a work stoppage -- during the best financial moment in WNBA history -- are growing once more.
"Revenue-sharing component" is not enough
Front Office Sports' Annie Costabile reported that the million-dollar max salary that made headlines this week would not take effect immediately, as it was initially believed. Instead, that figure would only come into play once "certain revenue sharing targets are hit."
Under the WNBA's offer, the base supermax salary ($249,244) would remain in the six-figure range for 2026. According to Costabile, the base supermax salary
NEW: The WNBA's latest offer to players includes a million-dollar max salary—but only if certain revenue sharing targets are hit. The base supermax in 2026 would remain in the six figures.Https://t.co/PSr2ecQejr
— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) November 21, 2025
The AP report mentioned that the league had offered a revenue-sharing component as part of its latest offer that included the juicy $1.1 million max salary. However, the WNBPA believes the newest offer does not guarantee them what they have sought for a year: the end of the fixed salary system that sees their pay grow by three percent each year.
The players' union continues to insist on a revenue-based system that is more in line with what NBA and NFL players have enjoyed for years -- especially as WNBA revenue is projected to hit $1.03 billion by year's end.
With this fundamental disagreement still left unresolved, WNBA fans may have to brace themselves for the worst-case scenario: drastic calendar changes that could lop games off the schedule in 2026.
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