When the WNBA and players’ union met on Monday in New York, the league promised a new collective bargaining agreement proposal. It delivered that offer on Friday, Feb. 6, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told USA TODAY Sports. The details of the new proposal were not available.
WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike told the Associated Press Friday that the gap between the two sides on issues like revenue sharing continues to be vast. But the players’ union wants to close it and avoid a lock out or strike.
‘I know our players 100% want to play this year,’ she said. ‘We want a season.
‘We made the point that once we nail (revenue sharing), we can get everything else done.’
The players are asking for 30% of the gross revenue. The league’s previous proposal, one the other had, offered more than 70% of net revenue. The WNBA’s previous offer also included 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 regular-season is supposed to tipoff May 8. But before that can happen the Toronto Tempo and Portland Thorns will have an expansion draft. Free agency and the WNBA draft also need to take place.
WNBA players authorized the union executive committee to ‘call a strike when necessary’ in December.
‘Having the strike on the table is something that we’re very much aware of, but there’s so many more conversations that have to happen,’ Ogwumike told the AP. ‘You know, we’re not just going to say, ‘Hey, today’s the day (we’ll strike).’ You know, I think that’s what we’re demonstrating right now is negotiating in good faith.’