The WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) are facing a high-stakes stalemate as negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) enter a critical phase. Despite exchanging revised proposals this week, both sides remain fundamentally divided on the core issue: how to split league revenue.
As the May 8 season opener approaches, the lack of progress has prompted NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to describe the situation as “getting awfully close to the 11th hour.”
Gross vs. Net: The 10 Percent Gap
The heart of the dispute lies in the definition of “revenue.” The players are fighting for a sustainable share of the league’s growth, while the league aims to protect its operational margins.
- The Players’ Stance: The union has softened its demand, dropping its request for a cut of gross revenue from 30% to 25%. They argue that a share of total revenue is the only way to ensure players benefit directly from the league’s skyrocketing popularity.
- The League’s Stance: WNBA ownership continues to propose a share of net revenue (profit after expenses). According to reports, the current league offer would equate to less than 15% of the gross revenue, creating a massive financial gap between the two proposals.
The Shadow of the 11th Hour
With a self-imposed moratorium on league business currently in place, the window to finalize a deal before the scheduled season start is rapidly closing.
History looms large over these talks. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s increased involvement echoes the 2003 negotiations when David Stern successfully used the threat of a cancelled season to force a deal. While neither a strike nor a lockout has been formally initiated, the “11th hour” pressure is mounting on Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to find a middle ground.