New York, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the WNBA and WNBPA are at a critical point, with key discussions on player salaries and conditions. The current agreement expiring soon has led players to advocate for compensation that reflects the league’s growth. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has indicated players can expect a substantial salary increase. Players also seek roster adjustments, charter flights, and improved officiating standards as they push for a system that ties salaries to league revenue, amidst growing attendance and viewership.
New York – Negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) have reached a crucial stage, with significant discussions surrounding player salaries and conditions. The current agreement is set to expire on October 31, and discussions are intensifying as players advocate for improvements that reflect the league’s recent growth.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently announced that WNBA players can expect a “big increase” in their salaries under the forthcoming CBA. He emphasized that discussions should center around “absolute numbers” instead of merely revenue share percentages, which has been a primary point of contention during negotiations.
The WNBPA opted out of the existing CBA last year, prompting the current negotiations. The players are pushing for a salary structure that would allow their earnings to grow in direct relation to the league’s revenue, similar to the model used by the NBA. This shift is crucial as the WNBA has experienced substantial growth in various areas including attendance, viewership, merchandise sales, and franchise valuations, alongside an upcoming $2.2 billion media deal.
Presently, the WNBA’s salary cap for 2025 is projected at $1,507,100, with super-maximum contracts reaching $249,244, and minimum salaries set at $66,079. However, players like Phoenix Mercury’s Satou Sabally have voiced concerns, stating that the current CBA would lead to a proportional decrease in their earnings, as the established salary cap increases only by a fixed rate of 3% annually, unlike the NBA’s dependence on basketball-related income (BRI).
Additionally, players have raised other issues, including the need for roster size adjustments, the requirement of charter flights for all teams, and the quality of officiating within the league. As discussions unfold, the leadership of the WNBA, led by Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, is under scrutiny. Critics argue that Engelbert’s administration has not adequately supported players despite their contributions to the league’s revenue growth.
The urgency in these negotiations is compounded by a looming two-team expansion draft that will include the newly introduced franchises, the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, as well as the impending free agency for several veteran players. If an agreement is not reached by the deadline, it is anticipated that the WNBPA and the WNBA may negotiate for a temporary extension, similar to prior arrangements.
Silver has acknowledged the need to improve the relationship between players and league leadership as a critical factor for achieving a successful resolution in the ongoing negotiations. As this deadline approaches, both sides are navigating their differences in hopes of establishing an agreement that adequately compensates players and ensures the future vitality of the league.
Key Points of Discussion
- WNBA players expect significant salary increases in the upcoming CBA.
- The current CBA is set to expire on October 31.
- Negotiations focus on revenue sharing models and player compensation.
- The WNBA’s current salary cap is $1,507,100 for 2025.
- Issues regarding roster sizes, charter flights, and officiating have been raised by players.
Background Context
The WNBA has traditionally operated with a fixed salary cap model, in stark contrast to the NBA’s revenue-based salary cap. Under the current structure, salaries are primarily determined by set increases, which has led players to feel undervalued as league revenues grow. As the league continues to expand and attract investment, the demand for fair compensation and improved working conditions is pressing, particularly as the season edges closer to its commencement following the conclusion of negotiations.
FAQ Section
What is the current status of WNBA CBA negotiations?
Negotiations for a new CBA are ongoing, with a deadline set for October 31. The players are seeking significant salary increases and improvements in several working conditions.
What are the key salary figures in the current WNBA contract?
The WNBA’s salary cap for 2025 is projected to be $1,507,100, with a super-maximum contract amounting to $249,244 and a minimum salary of $66,079.
What are players advocating for in the new CBA?
Players are advocating for a salary system tied to league revenue growth, roster size adjustments, charter flights for all teams, and improved officiating quality.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Salary Cap for 2025 | $1,507,100 |
| Super-Maximum Salary | $249,244 |
| Minimum Salary | $66,079 |
| Current CBA Expiry Date | October 31 |
| Players’ Demands | Revenue sharing model, charter flights, roster size adjustments |
| Revenue Growth Indicators | Increased attendance, viewership, and merchandise sales, $2.2 billion media deal on the horizon |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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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