In its 29 years of existence, the WNBA is facing its most pivotal time as the possibility of a strike looms over the league. The WNBA and its Players Association (WNBPA) are locked in an intense labor dispute, negotiating for seven consecutive days after opting out of the previous Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in 2024. Now the players are pushing for a new, “transformational” deal that reflects the league’s massive growth, an enormous leap from the league’s current salary structure.
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As the two sides have gone past a March 10 target date without a new CBA, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the future of the “W.” Currently, 80 percent of the league’s players are seeking new contracts, and two expansion teams, the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, are waiting to build their inaugural rosters. While “marathon” sessions continue to save the 2026 season, here’s everything you need to know about the WNBAs labor dispute.
The “Gross vs. Net” Revenue Standoff
While the union has historically received a small percentage of revenue, current negotiations involve a debate between sharing gross revenue (preferred by the union) vs. net revenue (preferred by the league). According to Sports Business Journal, the WNBA is demanding 26 to 30 percent of gross revenue (total income before expenses). In response, the WNBA has offered 70 percent of net revenue (income after expenses). The union argues that the league’s “net” offer actually equates to less than 15 percent of gross revenue, which they feel does not reflect their value during this period of record-shattering growth. Also, the WNBPA is pushing for higher percentage splits of revenue and the rise of the 2026 salary cap to $5.75 million per team.
A 98 Percent Strike Authorization
Without question, the WNBPA is standing ten toes down on their demands. Back in December 2025, WNBA players voted with 98 percent approval to authorize the Union Executive Committee to call a strike if a new deal that benefits the union isn’t reached. While stars like Breanna Stewart and Kelsey Plum have recently publicly stated that they are concerned about the CBA process, leadership maintains that a strike remains “very much on the table” if the league doesn’t bridge the economic gap.
The 2026 WNBA Draft Is In Jeopardy
Slated for April 13, the WNBA draft is a celebration of the league’s growth and an introduction of future superstars to the “W.” Without a CBA in place, the 2026 draft is in jeopardy. Complicating things even more, an expansion draft for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire must happen first (tentatively April 1–6), followed by a condensed free-agency period for the 80 percent of the league currently without contracts. If a handshake deal isn’t reached in the coming days, the draft will be postponed, with incoming rookies forced into a state of limbo.
WNBA Commissioner Says The New CBA Deal Will Be ‘Historic’
Despite several deadlines that have come and gone and the tension between the two sides, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert believes that a new collective bargaining agreement will get done.
“We’re working as hard as we can to get it done as quickly as possible,” Engelbert told ESPN. “It’s complex. There’s a lot. There are a lot of system elements. There are a lot of structural elements. … This is a big, big league, and we want to do everything we can for the players. So, we’re going to keep making progress.”
“We are going to keep going. We’re going to get this deal done,” Engelbert continued. “And, you know, it’s going to be historic.”
Engelbert’s remarks came after a 14-hour negotiation. While the Commish may feel optimistic, if the league doesn’t reach a deal soon, it will further complicate the “Ws” 2026 schedule.
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