NEW YORK — WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike informed journalists late Wednesday that players are “perceiving progress” in contractual negotiations and are “dedicated to participation in the discussions.” This announcement came after two consecutive days of extended deliberations involving the WNBA and its athlete’s association.
A new agreement has yet to be reached by both parties, now exceeding by two days the intended completion date the association provided to the union for the finalization of a preliminary agreement to prevent disruptions to the 2026 season’s calendar.
“Ultimately, we desire a playing period,” Ogwumike told reporters. “Our intention is to compete. This sentiment has also been expressed by the opposing party. We require a stronger display of that commitment as these discussions progress.”
A source acquainted with the discussions indicated that the league’s most recent offer included an initial wage ceiling of $6.2 million (an increase from the previously cited figures of $5.75 million and $1.5 million in 2025), which is set to expand throughout the duration of the agreement. Anticipated average player earnings are expected to attain $570,000 in Year 1 and $850,000 in Year 6, whereas peak remuneration would stand at over $1.3 million in Year 1 and nearly $2 million in Year 6.
“The offer we have presented is a truly momentous and groundbreaking agreement for these players,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert informed journalists early Thursday. “We take pride in the proposed settlement we’ve put forward. I believe it signifies substantial benefits for the athletes, concurrently ensuring the league’s stability. Therefore, we will persist in our diligent efforts, and we must finalize an accord.”
Jennifer Rizzotti, president of the Connecticut Sun and a member of the labor relations committee, further stated: “From the perspective of a past athlete, I scarcely imagined I would witness the moment where such a groundbreaking agreement would be proposed and available to these athletes, and that fills me with pride.”
The WNBA’s proposition is for players to obtain, on average, more than 70% of net earnings (income remaining post-expenditure). The players’ association had previously sought 26% of gross earnings (income prior to deductions) for the duration of the pact, setting the initial year’s wage ceiling at approximately $9.5 million; however, the current status of their latest offers remains undisclosed.
The parties have held significantly divergent views regarding the structure of a revised revenue distribution model, concurrently deliberating the fate of the core player tag, squad-supplied accommodation, and other aspects. Collectively, eight different offers have been traded over the last two days, with the groups convening for approximately 12 hours from Tuesday night through Wednesday morning, followed by another session of around 11 hours from Wednesday afternoon into early Thursday.
“Having the opportunity to engage directly and trade proposals, we perceive progress,” Ogwumike stated. “We are adhering to the established procedure. This is a principle we have consistently upheld since the outset, thus, maintaining our commitment to that methodology, our collective strength, and our unwavering determination in advocating for our interests within these discussions, defines our current stance.”
Ogwumike, alongside the trio of executive committee members present at the face-to-face sessions (vice presidents Breanna Stewart and Alysha Clark, and treasurer Brianna Turner), addressed journalists just prior to 11:30 p.m. ET before departing for the evening. Personnel from both the league and the union remained to proceed with discussions, with both factions intending to resume deliberations on Thursday.
The union has steadfastly asserted that the March 10 “cutoff date” presented by the league is perceived as a bargaining maneuver, whereas the league has highlighted the prospective commercial and timetable repercussions should discussions be extended significantly further.
“We have never truly regarded that as a priority timeline from our perspective, given that our negotiations have consistently been conducted in good faith,” Ogwumike noted. “We’ve encountered periods of inactivity, one might say, during the negotiation [from the opposing party], and our desire is to compete, which is precisely why we all traveled to this location.
“I believe the league possesses its own set of priorities accordingly, and numerous references to deadlines have come to our attention, with various schedules having been proposed, however, our objective is to achieve a favorable agreement, and we are eager to participate in this season. Therefore, in my view, that is the relevant timeframe for us.”
Upon the finalization of an agreement, it requires endorsement – a process that might span multiple weeks – subsequently, the league is obligated to conduct a two-squad expansion draft, manage free agency for over 100 athletes, and organize a collegiate draft, presently slated for April 13.
Practice sessions are scheduled to commence on April 19, with the regular playing period set to start on May 8.
“I believe it is crucial to promptly conclude this agreement,” Rizzotti remarked, “and that is our objective.”