New York City, October 23, 2025
News Summary
As the deadline for the collective bargaining agreement approaches, the WNBA Players Association raises concerns about financial demands and league proposals. Executive Director Terri Jackson criticizes the NBA’s characterization of player demands and emphasizes the need for substantial changes, including salary increases and better revenue-sharing agreements. The players seek an increase in maximum salary and a more equitable share of league revenues, all while facing the looming October 31 deadline for finalizing negotiations.
WNBA Players Union Claims “Bad Math” in CBA Negotiations as Deadline Approaches
New York City – The WNBA Players Association is raising concerns over the ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations as the October 31 deadline nears. Executive Director Terri Jackson has openly criticized NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s characterization of the players’ financial demands, asserting that the current proposals do not adequately address the needs of the athletes and prioritize maintaining the status quo over necessary change.
Jackson’s remarks point to the league’s reliance on a fixed salary system and a limited revenue-sharing plan, which she argues only provides minimal benefits to players. The WNBA’s proposal includes an increase to the maximum salary, raising it from the current level of $249,444 to approximately $850,000. Additionally, the overall salary cap is expected to reach $1,507,100 per franchise by 2025. Despite these increases, Jackson labeled the league’s valuations as “bad math,” highlighting a disconnect in understanding the implications of what “uncapped” salaries truly mean for negotiations.
As the WNBA moves towards the deadline, key unresolved issues remain, particularly in regard to revenue-sharing and salary structures. Silver has suggested that salary increases should be the focus rather than improvements in revenue-sharing agreements, which he views as a more accurate reflection of the league’s growth.
The current system includes a fixed annual salary cap increase of 3%, with additional revenue-sharing contingent upon the league meeting specific financial targets. The players’ union continues to argue for salary structures to be more closely tied to league revenues and for a more equitable share of the league’s business earnings, which they believe is essential for sustainable growth.
Negotiations have seen a recent in-person meeting between WNBPA executive committee members and league management, despite existing tensions surrounding player compensation. While a WNBA spokesperson claims that recent proposals offer significant guarantees and introduce an “uncapped” revenue-sharing framework dependent on league performance, there is widespread dissatisfaction among players regarding the pace and progress of talks.
Silver indicated that players could expect significant salary increases but downplayed the idea of revenue-sharing adjustments, citing financial disparities between the WNBA and NBA as a key concern. As discussions progress, commentators note that internal critiques, including those aimed at WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, may spark broader changes within the league’s management structure, although Engelbert retains strong connections with Silver.
Players have articulated their commitment to achieving substantive changes in both compensation and additional benefits. Concerns are emerging that if a new agreement is not reached by the deadline, the existing terms could be extended, which would allow for continued negotiations without a work stoppage. However, there are apprehensions about a potential lockout that could jeopardize not just the negotiations but the upcoming WNBA season, particularly as the league continues to grow and new franchises are set to join.
Both bargaining parties are expected to engage in ongoing discussions in the coming weeks, focusing on enhancing compensation, roster sizes, and family planning benefits for players, all crucial elements in the future landscape of women’s professional basketball.
FAQ
What is the WNBA Players Association’s main concern in the current negotiations?
The WNBA Players Association is concerned that the league’s current proposals do not adequately meet the players’ financial demands and prioritize maintaining the status quo instead of making necessary improvements.
What are the proposed changes to salaries in the new CBA?
The new CBA proposal includes an increase in maximum salary from $249,444 to approximately $850,000 and a salary cap set to reach $1,507,100 per franchise by 2025.
What is the deadline for finalizing the CBA negotiations?
The deadline for these negotiations is set for October 31.
What could happen if an agreement is not reached by the deadline?
If no agreement is reached by the deadline, it is likely that the existing terms will be extended, which would prevent a work stoppage and allow negotiations to continue. However, there is a risk of a potential lockout that could disrupt the upcoming season.
Key Features of WNBA CBA Negotiations
| Feature | Current CBA | Proposed Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Salary | $249,444 | $850,000 |
| Salary Cap (2025) | $1,507,100 | Same |
| Annual Salary Cap Increase | 3% | To be determined |
| Revenue-Sharing | Limited and contingent on targets | Untapped framework based on league performance |
| Negotiation Deadline | October 31 | Same |
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: WNBA CBA Updates and Negotiations
- Wikipedia: Women’s National Basketball Association
- CBS Sports: WNBA CBA Negotiations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s National Basketball Association
- Bleacher Report: WNBA CBA Negotiations
- Google Search: WNBA CBA negotiations 2025
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