WNBA players have voted nearly unanimously to go on strike whenever their union\u2019s executive committee sees fit, setting off another contentious back-and-forth with the league as collective bargaining talks remain at an impasse.<\/p>\n
In response to the vote \u2014 conducted over the past week with results emerging today \u2014 the WNBA league office took exception to the perception they have been unyielding in negotiations, pointing out their numerous concessions.<\/p>\n
Sources, for instance, said the league\u2019s latest proposal contains a salary cap-free revenue share template that would grow max salaries above $1.3M in 2026 (compared to Jackie Young\u2019s league high of $252,450 in 2025) and then increase to almost $2M over the duration of the agreement. The league\u2019s new proposal would also push average salaries over $530,000 in 2026, escalating to over $770,000 over the course of the deal. <\/p>\n
But the players\u2019 union still seems incredulous that the league is offering only 15% of league revenue in its rev share model compared to the roughly 30% the WNBPA is requesting. That discrepancy, among other financial and philosophical differences, led to the vote this week to authorize a strike if warranted \u2014 with no further vote required \u2014 once the current CBA extension ends on Jan. 9 or if the union opts out of the extension before then.<\/p>\n
According to the WNBPA, 93% of the players took part in the vote and 98% said yes to empowering a strike.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe players have spoken,\u201d the WNBPA said in statement. \u201cThrough a decisive vote with historic participation, our membership has authorized the WNBPA\u2019s Executive Committee to call a strike when necessary. The players\u2019 decision is an unavoidable response to the state of negotiations with the WNBA and its teams. <\/p>\n
\u201cTime and again, the players\u2019 thoughtful and reasonable approach has been met by the WNBA and its teams with a resistance to change and a recommitment to the draconian provisions that have unfairly restricted players for nearly three decades. The players\u2019 vote is neither a call for an immediate strike nor an intention to pursue one. Rather, it is an emphatic affirmation of the players\u2019 confidence in their leadership and their unwavering solidarity against ongoing efforts to divide, conquer, and undervalue them. <\/p>\n
\u201cLet it be known. The players remain united, resolute, and prepared to fight for their value and their future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Because there are no-strike and no-lockout clauses in the current CBA, a work stoppage is not imminent and could only begin once the extensions are null and void. But on a day the players were greenlighting what would be an unprecedented strike, there is always the chance \u2014 though it is only speculation at this point \u2014 that the league could beat them to it with a lockout.<\/p>\n
Late this afternoon, the WNBA issued a terse lengthy response to the vote saying, in part, \u201cWe strongly disagree with the WNBPA\u2019s characterization of the current state of negotiations, which fundamentally misrepresents the ongoing discussions taking place at the bargaining table. It is difficult to understand claims that the league is resistant to change, particularly given that we are proposing numerous CBA modifications including significant immediate salary increases and a new uncapped revenue-sharing model that would ensure continued salary growth tied to revenue growth. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe league remains steadfast in its commitment to reaching an agreement as soon as possible and delivering a 30th season for the players, fans, teams, and partners. We have negotiated in good faith and with urgency, and remain focused on finalizing a new collective bargaining agreement that not only meaningfully enhances player pay, benefits, and experience, but also does so in a way that ensures the long-term growth of the game and the league\u2019s capacity to serve the next generation of WNBA players.\u201d<\/p>\n
More specifically, the league office believes it had already proposed a major salary increase — a $1M maximum pay base, for instance, plus revenue sharing that takes it over $1.2M — and now has grown its offer again.<\/p>\n
As of Thursday night, the union had not publicly responded to the league\u2019s latest $1.3M max salary proposal that can leap to $2M. But, in perhaps the only upbeat news of the day, sources said the two sides still have bargaining sessions scheduled throughout the holiday season.<\/p>\n