In October 2024, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association opted out of its 2020-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement. A CBA is a legally binding written contract between an employer and a labor union that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for workers. It establishes guidelines for wages, benefits, work hours and working conditions, and is usually in effect for a defined period.

In her September 2025 exit interview, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier strongly criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert,

Collier called her leadership negligent and said players have lost trust in the league during CBA negotiations.

Collier pointed to inconsistent officiating, player safety concerns and unfair compensation as major problems. Collier further alleged that Engelbert told players they should be grateful for the platform the league provides, a remark that frustrated many players. Many athletes across the league supported Collier, highlighting growing tension between players and league leadership.

The current conflict between the WNBA and the WNBPA over the 2026 CBA now centers on revenue sharing. At the center of the debate is how the league’s revenue should be divided between players and team owners. As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity, players believe they should receive a larger share of the revenue the league generates. 

One of the biggest disagreements comes from the difference between sharing gross revenue versus net revenue. The players’ union has pushed for a system where they receive a percentage of the league’s total revenue before expenses are deducted. Their argument is that this approach more accurately reflects the league’s true growth and value. However, the league has proposed a model in which players would receive 70% of net revenue, which is calculated after operational expenses are deducted. The union has argued that when these expenses are accounted for, the players’ share would actually be less than 15% of the league’s total revenue, which they believe is unfair.

In addition to revenue sharing, other issues have added tension to the negotiations. Players have emphasized the need to improve the league’s overall economic model, especially as the WNBA becomes more visible and profitable. 

Meanwhile, the league has proposed changing or eliminating some current benefits, such as team-provided housing, which many players see as a step backward given the job instability and low wages. 

The economic success of Unrivaled Basketball, an offseason league founded by Breanna Stewart and Collier, has led fans to rally behind players and urge the WNBA be more upfront with finances. 

Because of these disagreements, the negotiations have become increasingly tense and multiple deadlines for agreements have been missed. There is growing concern that if a deal is not reached soon, the league could face a lockout or delayed training camps and WNBA drafts before the 2026 season begins. 

Many players have already expressed hesitation about accepting the league’s current proposal, making it clear they want a fairer share of the league’s continued growth.