New York City, October 22, 2025
News Summary
WNBA players are in negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement as their current contract nears expiration. Players seek higher salaries and better working conditions amidst league growth. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver suggests a significant salary increase is expected, but contentious points remain regarding the salary structure compared to the NBA. Key issues include balancing salary increases with the league’s viability and addressing player concerns over compensation, roster sizes, and travel arrangements. An agreement is crucial, especially with upcoming expansion drafts and free agency.
New York City – WNBA players are currently in important negotiations with league officials for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) as the current contract approaches its expiration on October 31. Players are demanding higher salaries and improved working conditions, which are becoming increasingly critical as the league experiences significant growth.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has indicated that WNBA players can expect a substantial increase in salaries in the next CBA. He highlighted that discussions should focus on “absolute numbers” rather than just revenue share percentages, emphasizing the importance of financial growth for the players. The WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) opted out of the current CBA a year ago, making the negotiations more pressing as the expiration date nears.
The primary point of contention between the WNBPA and the league lies in how player salaries are determined in relation to the league’s revenue growth. Players desire a salary system comparable to the NBA’s model, wherein their compensation would rise proportionally with the league’s business growth. The NBA adopts a salary cap based on basketball-related income (BRI), while the WNBA’s existing CBA restricts salary cap growth to a fixed annual increase of 3%.
As of 2025, the WNBA’s salary cap stands at $1,507,100, with the super-maximum contract valued at $249,244 and a minimum salary set at $66,079. Despite this structure, players have voiced concerns that their share of revenue is diminishing as the league expands. Phoenix Mercury player Satou Sabally noted that the current CBA could lead to a percentage decrease in their compensation, contrasting with the league’s recent achievements in attendance, viewership, merchandise sales, and franchise valuations. This includes the anticipation of a new $2.2 billion media deal on the horizon.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert acknowledged the necessity of balancing salary increases with the league’s long-term viability, particularly in light of future expansion plans. If the parties fail to reach an agreement by the end of October, there may be a possibility of negotiating an extension, akin to previous CBA negotiations.
These negotiations are crucial as they must conclude prior to a two-team expansion draft for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, and before the commencement of free agency for several veteran players. Silver reiterated that, while it is essential for WNBA players to secure a larger share of revenue, their situation should not only be assessed on the basis of percentages.
The relationship between players and league leadership has been strained, with Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier and others openly expressing dissatisfaction regarding the current CBA and its implications. Further issues raised by players involve roster sizes, demands for charter flights for all teams, and the quality of officiating within the league. Engelbert’s leadership has faced scrutiny from players who believe there is insufficient support and acknowledgment of their contributions to league revenue.
As negotiations evolve, it remains to be seen how WNBA leadership will address these player concerns and whether an agreement can be reached that satisfies both parties’ needs while continuing the league’s growth trajectory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of WNBA salary negotiations?
WNBA players are negotiating a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) as the current agreement is set to expire on October 31, with the goal of achieving higher salaries and improved conditions.
How do WNBA player salaries compare to the NBA?
The WNBA currently operates on a fixed salary cap increase of 3% annually, while the NBA’s system ties salary caps to basketball-related income, which influences player compensation more directly with the league’s revenue growth.
What are the expected outcomes if an agreement isn’t reached by October 31?
If no agreement is made before the deadline, the WNBPA and the league could potentially negotiate an extension, similar to previous negotiations.
Key Features of the WNBA CBA Negotiation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Salary Cap | $1,507,100 for 2025 |
| Super-Maximum Contract | $249,244 |
| Minimum Salary | $66,079 |
| Annual cap increase | Fixed at 3% |
| Next CBA Expiration | October 31 |
| Media Deal Value | $2.2 Billion |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement Negotiations Heat Up
Additional Resources
- ESPN: WNBA Players Expect Big Increase in Salaries
- Wikipedia: WNBA
- CBS Sports: Adam Silver Says WNBA Players Will Get Big Increase
- Google Search: WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement
- New York Times: Adam Silver on WNBA Player’s Pay Increase
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WNBA
- Sportico: WNBA Offseason CBA Negotiations
- Google News: WNBA CBA Negotiations
- Sports Illustrated: Rebecca Lobo on WNBA’s CBA Negotiations
- Google Scholar: WNBA Salaries
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