APPLETON, Wis. — The Women's National Basketball Association submitted a new collective bargaining agreement proposal on Friday that includes guaranteed housing for all players starting in 2026, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. The move comes as the league and the Women's National Basketball Players Association push toward a deal ahead of the regular season's May 8 start date, following a period of intense back-and-forth after a six-week stalemate.
The league informed ESPN of the counterproposal on Saturday, with sources indicating that the housing provision would cover every player in 2026 before gradually phasing out in later years. Under the plan, players earning the applicable minimum salary and those with zero years of service would receive a one-bedroom apartment in 2027 and 2028 only, while developmental players would get studio apartments for the entire duration of the agreement.
Housing has been a staple benefit for WNBA players since the league's first CBA was ratified in 1999. In the previous agreement, teams were required to provide either a one-bedroom apartment or a stipend to cover living expenses. However, prior to February, the league had omitted any housing provisions from its negotiation proposals this time around, sources said.
The WNBPA's most recent response, submitted three days before the league's Friday offer, called for teams to maintain housing obligations in the early years of the new deal. According to a source, the union suggested that in later years, teams would no longer need to provide housing for players earning close to the maximum salary on multiyear contracts with full salary protection.
While both sides have shown some flexibility on housing, the negotiations remain sharply divided on revenue sharing, a core issue driving the talks. The WNBPA's proposal earlier this week sought an average of 27.5% of gross revenue — defined as revenue before deducting expenses — over the course of the agreement. That would include 25% in the first year, paired with a salary cap of less than $9.5 million.
This marked a reduction from the union's December proposal, which had asked for an average of 31% of gross revenue, starting at 28% in Year 1 with a salary cap around $10.5 million. Hours after the WNBPA submitted its latest offer, the league publicly dismissed it as "unrealistic" and something that would "cause hundreds of millions of dollars of losses for our teams," according to a statement from the WNBA.
A source familiar with the negotiations told ESPN that the league projects the union's plan would lead to losses of $460 million over the lifetime of the agreement. In contrast, the WNBA's new proposal offers players an average of more than 70% of net revenue — which equates to less than 15% of gross revenue — with a salary cap of $5.65 million in 2026, up from $1.5 million currently projected for that year. The cap would then grow in subsequent years aligned with revenue increases.
Apart from a minor adjustment in how team expenses are calculated, the league's revenue sharing model remains largely unchanged from its prior offer, sources said. The proposal includes maximum salaries, factoring in revenue sharing payouts, reaching nearly $1.3 million in 2026 and projected to approach $2 million by 2031. For context, the supermax salary in 2025 stands at $249,000.
Average player salaries under the league's plan, including revenue sharing, would climb to $540,000 in 2026 and $780,000 by 2031, a significant jump from the current $120,000 average in 2025. These figures highlight the league's emphasis on sustainable growth amid rising popularity for women's basketball, fueled by stars like Caitlin Clark and the success of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Beyond the flashpoints of housing and revenue, the league and union have found common ground on several fronts. Both parties have agreed to add two new developmental roster spots, though final details are still under discussion. The league has also boosted its proposed employer contributions to players' 401(k) retirement accounts across its offers.
Additional agreements include new requirements for team staffing and facilities, aimed at improving player support and development. The WNBA's latest proposal introduces a recognition payment for retired players with eight or more years of service, set at $4,500 per year, with sources noting that this figure has increased from earlier versions.
The league's proposal on retired player benefits comes as the WNBPA has pushed hard to enhance retirement security for its members, reflecting broader efforts to professionalize the league after years of advocacy for better compensation and conditions.
Charter flight travel, a long-sought perk, is also poised to be formally codified in the new CBA, addressing player concerns over grueling commercial travel schedules that have plagued the league for decades.
The negotiations, which began in earnest last fall, underscore the WNBA's transformation. Viewership and attendance have surged in recent years, with the 2024 season drawing record crowds and TV ratings, partly thanks to the influx of high-profile rookies and increased media coverage. Yet, the league operates in the shadow of the NBA, with revenues still modest by comparison — estimated at around $200 million annually for the WNBA versus billions for its male counterpart.
Sources indicate that while progress has been made, the revenue sharing impasse could prolong talks. The WNBPA, representing over 140 active players, has emphasized equitable growth, arguing that players deserve a larger slice as the league's value rises. The WNBA, meanwhile, stresses financial viability for its 13 teams, many of which are owned by NBA franchises and rely on subsidies to stay afloat.
As the May 8 opener looms — featuring matchups like the Indiana Fever hosting the Connecticut Sun — both sides appear motivated to avoid a work stoppage that could dampen the momentum. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has publicly expressed optimism, telling reporters last month that a deal is "within reach." Union president Nneka Ogwumike echoed that sentiment in a recent interview, saying the players are "committed to building the future of this league together."
Looking ahead, the outcome of these talks could set a precedent for gender equity in sports labor, influencing not just the WNBA but other women's professional leagues. With the current CBA expiring after the 2025 season, the pressure is on to finalize terms that balance player aspirations with league sustainability. Negotiators are expected to reconvene soon, potentially in New York, where the WNBA's headquarters are located.
For now, the inclusion of housing in the league's proposal signals a step forward, even if tentative. Players like Sue Bird, a retired WNBA legend and vocal advocate, have long highlighted housing as symbolic of the league's commitment to its athletes. As one source put it, "This is about more than apartments — it's about valuing the women who built this league."