As deadline looms, WNBA remains stuck in labor contract stalemate

The WNBA and WNBPA remain at odds in negotiations as the two sides attempt to hammer out a collective bargaining agreement in time to play the 2026 season

The WNBA and WNBPA remain at odds in negotiations as the two sides attempt to hammer out a collective bargaining agreement in time to play the 2026 season.

The league and players association traded proposals over the weekend as they try to reach an agreement before a March 10 deadline, set by the league to make sure the season can start as scheduled on May 8.

In late February, the union sent the league a proposal asking for 26% of gross revenue for the players, according to The Associated Press. The league, so far, has been countering with proposals offering players over 70% of net revenue, per the AP. (The league’s calculations factor in losses, while the players are seeking a revenue split commonly found in other professional leagues.)

On Friday, the union sent a new proposal, which the league countered shortly after, though details of neither of the latest offers have been made public.

The WNBA and its players have long been expected to have a tense labor negotiation amid an explosion in interest in the league.