After six weeks of silence, the WNBA has finally responded to its players' union with a counteroffer. The proposal, however, falls well short of what the players expected.

Despite facing heavy backlash for including a free League Pass, the league has technically moved the needle.

According to FOS,  the league has made limited concessions on housing, offering apartments only to certain players and only for a few. That’s because the players earning above the minimum would not qualify. 

Previously, the WNBPA proposed two developmental roster spots per team. But as per the latest proposal, the players would be eligible to play only a limited number of games.

They would be paid per game. They would receive a stipend. They also gain access to benefits, including housing and medical care. They also proposed studio apartments for these players.

But there's a limitation. Notably, these apartments will only be provided to the players signed at minimum salary and those with zero years of service.

However, the league would eliminate this housing option after three years, so the benefit would last only for the first three years of the proposed CBA. Not just that, but any player earning even slightly above the proposed minimum salary would also become ineligible.

Moreover, the league also included non-economic improvements such as removing marijuana testing, protecting pregnant players in trades, increasing bonuses, and improving retirement benefits. 

However, the league kept the revenue-sharing structure unchanged. Their proposed percentage still falls short of the players’ demand for at least a 15% share of gross revenue.

But yes, the league has finally put an offer on the table, and now the decision shifts to the WNBPA!

The players Decide Whether to accept or reject

So far, the union has proposed a salary cap of $10.5 million and 30% of gross revenue shares. And that's exactly something the league hasn't agreed to.

They've instead offered a maximum base salary of $1 million, with an average salary of $465,000. So now, the union is left with two paths forward.

They could continue negotiating, prioritizing urgency to avoid delays to the 2026 season. If they do not finalize a new CBA within the first two weeks of February, delays could impact everything, from free agency and the expansion draft to the regular season.

Or, the union can call a strike, as already been authorized by players in December through voting. So the decision rests on what the players will do!

To stay updated, follow She Got Game!

Written by

Yashika Dutta

Edited by

Joyita Das