With fewer than 100 days left until the WNBA’s historic 30th season tips off, tensions are rising as the league and its players’ union remain locked in a standoff over a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). But here’s where it gets controversial: the union’s leader, Nneka Ogwumike, has openly criticized the league’s approach to negotiations, calling it anything but ‘constructive.’ And this is the part most people miss—while the clock ticks toward the season opener, the league hasn’t even responded to the union’s proposal submitted over four weeks ago. No full bargaining sessions have taken place in the new year, leaving both sides at a frustrating impasse.
According to sources, the league’s reasoning for its silence is that the union’s proposal—which includes a $10.5 million salary cap, a 30% share of gross revenue, and an average player salary exceeding $800,000—isn’t ‘realistic.’ Boldly put, the league is waiting for the union to lower its expectations. But Ogwumike isn’t backing down. In a recent interview, she expressed concern over the league’s dismissive attitude, stating, ‘To give the excuse that our proposal was not adequate is concerning.’
The union’s demands go beyond salaries. They’re pushing to eliminate the core player designation, shorten rookie contracts, secure mental health support, and retain player housing—a benefit the league has proposed cutting. Yet, the league hasn’t engaged with these points, leaving the union feeling undervalued.
Meanwhile, the league’s last offer includes a max base salary of $1 million (potentially rising to $1.3 million) and a 70% share of net revenue. However, the union argues this model prioritizes the league’s financial interests over players’, resulting in an average salary of just $530,000. Is this a fair compromise, or are players being shortchanged?
As the deadline looms, the stakes are higher than ever. Without a deal, the 2026 season could face delays, impacting the expansion draft, free agency, and college draft. Ogwumike remains steadfast, emphasizing, ‘We want a season, but we also want an agreement that reflects our true value.’
This isn’t Ogwumike’s first rodeo. Now in her third term as union president, she’s a seasoned negotiator who’s evolved from focusing on governance and protections to prioritizing listening and relationship-building within the union. Her message is clear: the players are united in their fight for fairness.
But here’s the question we’re left with: Can the WNBA and its players find common ground before time runs out, or will the 30th season be marred by unresolved tensions? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think the league’s stance is justified, or should they meet the union’s demands? The debate is open, and the clock is ticking.
