With just five days left before the deadline, the WNBA and the WNBPA still have no agreement in place. That’s why Sophie Cunningham dived in to sound the alarm! 

On Wednesday, the WNBPA made it clear that the league’s latest proposal “is not worth taking.” An ESPN report following the statement revealed that Kelsey Plum and Breanna Stewart had expressed “serious concerns” about player representation and the lack of progress in negotiations.

As Soph got across the issue, she dived in too. “Nothing happened with the revenue share, and that is the whole thing we’re fighting for,” she said on the latest episode of her podcast, Show Me Something. “They keep coming back and changing half percentages of things we’re not even asking for.”

Well, her frustration reflects the union’s central demand: increased revenue sharing. It all comes down to the league submitting a counterproposal on 1st March in response to the union’s February 27 offer. 

The proposal included allowing First- and Second-Team All-WNBA players on rookie contracts to sign a maximum extension in their fourth year. However, those players would not be eligible for a core designation after signing that extension.

The league also proposed raising the Year 1 salary cap to $5.75 million, up from $1.5 million in 2025. Based on league projections, the cap could grow to approximately $8.5 million by 2031, the final year of the proposed deal.

Still, the major sticking point remains revenue sharing. The union wants a larger share of league revenues, and the league has not agreed to those terms. So Sophie’s weighing in is understandable.

What Did Fans Have to Say Following Cunningham’s Remarks?

Fans stormed the comment section of an Instagram post from Cunnigham's podcast's official channel that featured her take on the situation. One of them supported the WNBPA's demands, stating, “They need to make a good deal so you can get back to playing basketball!” one user wrote.

Well, the urgency is real. The season is scheduled to begin May 8. Before that, the league must conduct an expansion draft, the collegiate draft, and sign more than 100 free agents. Without a deal, delays are possible. But other fans also backed the players.

“You, the players, make the league money. You deserve the best. Keep fighting. We’re with you,” another user commented.

Players argue that rising viewership and popularity justify higher pay. Some have openly discussed pay disparities. Even Cameron Brink previously shared that her personal chef earned more than she did during her rookie season, highlighting the gap.

Not all reactions were supportive, though.

“They are wanting revenue share of the WNBA and NBA revenue. The NBA floats the WNBA,” one critic wrote, questioning whether the league generates enough income to support the union’s demands.

Financially, the structure is different from the men’s league. Notably, NBA owns roughly 42% of the WNBA, another 42% is owned by WNBA team owners, and the remaining 16% belongs to private investors. 

Also, the W has historically operated at a loss, which complicates profit-sharing discussions. “You don't need this....Unfortunately, your league doesn’t make money,” another user added. Even so, players believe this moment represents progress.

While revenue sharing remains unresolved, they argue that the growth of the league warrants a new financial model. With the deadline approaching, the pressure is mounting on both sides to find common ground.

Which side do you think is right?

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Written by

Yashika Dutta

Edited by

Souvik Roy