WNBA and its players' union met for three hours in New York to continue stalled CBA talks centered on revenue sharing and salary structure; the league floated a plan giving players more than 70% of net revenue with a $1M base max plus revenue share. Betting implication: uncertainty raises risk for 2026 WNBA futures and season-long player props — bettors should avoid long-term wagers until the CBA is settled or seek short-term lines with reduced labor exposure.
WNBA and Players' Union Meet in New York as CBA Talks Resume
The WNBA and the players' association convened a three-hour face-to-face meeting at NBA offices in New York as negotiations toward a new collective bargaining agreement continued. WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike declined to comment after the session.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, members of the league's labor relations committee, and New York Liberty owners Clara Wu and Joe Tsai attended on the league side. From the players' leadership, union vice president Alysha Clark, treasurer Brianna Turner and player representative Stefanie Dolson were present; several other player leaders joined virtually.
Status quo, deadlines and labor rules
Negotiations have been extended twice and entered a "status quo" period that preserves current working conditions and requires notice before any work stoppage. That framework allows talks to continue but keeps pressures high as the league and union try to bridge differences ahead of the 2026 season.
Core disputes: revenue sharing and salary structure
The primary impasse centers on revenue sharing: whether payouts should be based on net or gross revenue, the percentage players receive, and how the salary cap is structured. Players are pushing for more guaranteed revenue share and higher top-end pay; the league and owners are proposing a model tied to financial formulas.
League proposal: headline figures
Reported elements of the WNBA's latest proposal include players receiving in excess of 70% of net revenue, a maximum base salary of $1 million with a revenue-sharing component pushing max total earnings above $1.3 million in 2026, and projected growth to nearly $2 million over the life of the deal.
The proposal also reportedly raises the minimum salary to more than $250,000 and the average salary to more than $530,000, with both figures increasing under the proposed terms.
What this means for the 2026 season and bettors
The 2026 WNBA season is scheduled to begin May 8. Ongoing negotiations and the possibility of labor disruption introduce uncertainty for season-long markets, futures and player-prop lines.
For bettors: avoid locking into long-term wagers (team futures, season win totals, or player season-long props) until the CBA risk is resolved; consider shorter-term or in-season markets that can adjust to roster availability; and look for value in matchups where depth reduces reliance on star players who could be affected by labor actions.
The emergence of alternative competitions that pay players may also change leverage and short-term availability.
Top 10 Women Athletes of 2025
1. A'ja Wilson — Las Vegas Aces
A'ja Wilson dominated 2025, leading the Aces to their third title in four years while sweeping major awards: scoring title, Defensive Player of the Year, a fourth MVP and Finals MVP. Her season was one of the strongest in WNBA history.
2. Mikaela Shiffrin — Alpine skiing
Shiffrin extended her record total World Cup wins past 100, notching a string of slalom victories and entering the 2026 Winter Olympics as a heavy medal favorite after another dominant season.
3. Paige Bueckers — Dallas Wings
Fresh off a national title at UConn, Bueckers became the No. 1 overall pick and WNBA Rookie of the Year, earning All-WNBA second team honors and emerging as a cornerstone for the Wings despite a rough team record.
4. Aryna Sabalenka — Tennis
Sabalenka finished the year atop the WTA rankings, won the U.S. Open, led the tour in finals and titles, and set a single-season prize-money record, earning WTA Player of the Year once again.
5. Napheesa Collier — Minnesota Lynx
Collier joined the elite 50-40-90 club and led the Lynx to the league's best record. Off the court, she has been a vocal leader in CBA discussions and co-founded Unrivaled, a paid 3-on-3 league providing alternate earnings for players.
6. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone — Track
McLaughlin-Levrone won two world titles in Tokyo, broke the North American 400m record and became the first athlete to win world titles in both the 400m flat and hurdles, continuing an unbeaten stretch in her events.
7. Catarina Macario — USWNT
Macario led the U.S. women's national team in scoring with eight goals, including a brace in a 3-0 win over Italy, and continued strong club form with Chelsea in domestic and European play.
8. Hilary Knight — Hockey
Knight added a 10th world championship gold medal and set records for career goals, assists and points in world championships, while leading Team USA to a Rivalry Series sweep of Canada and pacing the PWHL in scoring.
9. NiJaree Canady — Softball
Canady emerged as the face of college softball after transferring and powering her team to a record 54 wins and a WCWS appearance, posting a 1.11 ERA and securing the largest NIL deal in college softball.
10. Kyndal Stowers — Texas A&M Volleyball
After a medical retirement and concussion setbacks, Stowers returned to lead Texas A&M to its first national championship and was named the tournament's most outstanding player.
Outlook
Negotiations remain fluid and central to the WNBA's immediate future. The outcome of CBA talks will shape roster stability, salary growth and the shape of the 2026 season — and will determine when bettors can confidently engage with season-long WNBA markets without elevated labor risk.
Why haven't the WNBA and players union reached a deal?
The two sides reportedly talked face-to-face in New York City, the first such meeting in weeks. Players had no comment as they left the NBA offices.
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