New York, November 21, 2025
WNBA players remain largely unmoved by the league’s latest collective bargaining proposal unveiled in 2025, which promises significant salary increases and new benefits but falls short of players’ demands for a growth-based earnings system amid mounting competition from international leagues.
Details of the WNBA Proposal
The WNBA’s latest offer includes a maximum salary exceeding $1.1 million starting in 2026, a minimum salary above $220,000, and an average salary surpassing $460,000, a substantial rise from recent figures near $130,000. The proposal also introduces an uncapped revenue-sharing model linked to league performance instead of fixed annual increments. For the first time, players would gain equity stakes in the league, enhancing financial participation. The league notably avoids imposing exclusivity clauses, allowing players offseason opportunities abroad.
Player Hesitations and Demands
Despite these advances, WNBA athletes have expressed reservations. Their primary concern centers on the absence of a growth-dependent salary framework akin to the NBA’s basketball-related income model, which adjusts compensation relative to league business success. This demand reflects players’ desire for wages that better scale with the league’s expanding revenue and stature.
Comparisons with rival leagues highlight player reluctance. The Unrivaled league offers average salaries of around $220,000 plus equity for a considerably shorter season, while Project B in Saudi Arabia reportedly provides starting salaries near $2 million annually alongside equity shares, drawing top-tier talent. The WNBA claims the Players Association has yet to submit a viable economic counterproposal, prolonging negotiations.
Broader Industry Context
This impasse occurs against a backdrop of increasing athlete empowerment across professional sports, with players asserting greater control over career and income decisions. The emergence of global leagues with lucrative offers intensifies competition, amplifying players’ leverage.
Moreover, contemporary athlete discourse emphasizes mental health and career sustainability, factors contributing to players’ cautious stance toward new contracts. These considerations underscore the evolving priorities shaping collective bargaining in women’s professional basketball.
As the WNBA and its players negotiate amidst these dynamics, the outcome will significantly influence the future landscape of women’s sports compensation and empowerment norms on a global scale.