The WNBA remains mired in uncertainty amid ongoing negotiations for a new CBA, but the league and players’ association have at least cleared one key checkpoint.
The league’s latest proposal includes increased revenue sharing and a WNBA maximum salary of more than $1 million which would be available to more than one player on each team, per Doug Feinberg of the Associated Press.
These max salaries would be available to more than 180 players in the first year of the new CBA and steadily increase over time. But while progress is taking shape, a lockout ahead of the 2026 season may still be unavoidable.
The WNBPA is seeking a much bigger slice of the pie than the one they have been getting, and if the owners do not meet this demand, increased salaries may not be enough to ink a new CBA deal before the extended November 30 deadline.
WNBPA Vice President and Minnesota Lynx veteran Napheesa Collier has taken issue with the league denying rising stars like Caitlin Clark the chance to earn more of what they are bringing into the W.
The Indiana Fever star is a goldmine who has played a huge role in drawing new viewers and fans to the league, and yet, she is set to make less than $86,000 next season.
Indeed, bigger max salaries can correct this issue, but the players’ association wants to ensure that Clark and other marketable stars are fairly compensated via revenue sharing.
It remains to be seen how the players will take this new proposal, but the wheels on the current WNBA CBA negotiations appear to be moving in the right direction.
