WNBA Counter Proposal Rejected
The WNBA is in the middle of an unprecedented growth surge. Franchise values have jumped nearly 180%, new ownership groups are investing hundreds of millions, and the league just inked a $2.2 billion media rights deal. But while the money pours in, players say they’re still stuck with outdated pay structures and they’re not having it.
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBPA), led by president Nneka Ogwumike, laid out bold but clear demands in early 2025. They wanted a New Economic Model, better player salaries, stronger family planning support, professional standards, and expanded retirement benefits. What they got in return? A counteroffer so underwhelming that Satou Sabally called it a “slap in the face.”
According to Breanna Stewart, the league’s proposal wasn’t even close to what players asked for. “Pretty polar opposite,” she said, describing the tone ahead of a pivotal All-Star weekend meeting between players and league officials.
The Heart of the Conflict: Revenue Sharing
At the center of this standoff is revenue. The WNBPA wants player salaries to rise alongside league profits, removing restrictive caps. But the WNBA’s counteroffer stuck to fixed salary caps, ignoring how much the league’s financial picture has changed.
Today, players earn just 9.3% of league revenue, a far cry from the 50% standard in the NBA and NFL. The union is pushing for an equity-based system that adapts with the league’s success.
“If this league is doing better, we should be doing better too,” said Ogwumike. “Right now, we’re not even close.”
Delays, Disrespect, and Miscommunication
The frustration isn’t just about money, it’s also about how negotiations have been handled. According to the union, their first proposal was submitted in February, but the WNBA claims they didn’t receive anything “official” until April. The response didn’t come until June.
“It’s been made clear that there’s this perception that the players don’t understand the business,” Ogwumike said. “Well, we do.”
And the players are backing her up. Stewart added, “We’re not expecting a ‘yes’ on the first try, but we are expecting a conversation.”
With just 116 days left before the current CBA expires, a resolution is far from guaranteed. Players like Napheesa Collier have made it clear they’re not compromising this time.
“No one wants a lockout,” she said. “But we’re going to stand firm.”
As the league touts its rising value and global appeal, players are demanding the bare minimum: a fair share. If the WNBA is truly ready to level up, then it’s time for its financial model to reflect the real value of its players, the women who made this rise possible.
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