The WNBA and its players' union are meeting for the fifth consecutive day on Saturday, racing to finalise a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) by Monday to avoid disruptions to the upcoming season. Both sides reported progress on Friday night, describing the potential deal as 'transformational' after approximately 50 hours of in-person negotiations since Tuesday.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stressed the urgency, stating that a deal must be reached by Monday to prevent any impact on the season. 'We have to get it done without disrupting some part of the fact that we've got to run this two-team expansion draft,' she said. The league's first preseason games are scheduled for April 25, featuring Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever visiting the New York Liberty, and the Seattle Storm playing the Golden State Valkyries.
Before preseason begins, the league must conduct an expansion draft for Portland and Toronto, open free agency for 80% of players, and hold the college draft. The past two days have focused on ancillary issues rather than revenue sharing, the primary sticking point. Union executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson noted that some agreements have been reached on other items, though she declined to provide specifics.
Revenue sharing remains the biggest hurdle. The union initially sought 40% of gross revenue but has reduced its demand to 26%, while the league has offered more than 70% of net revenue. Both sides have exchanged approximately 15 proposals over the four days of talks, which have extended into the early morning hours. Engelbert described the negotiations as 'meaningful,' with each side listening to the other's concerns.
Jackson, who was involved in the previous CBA ratified in 2020, emphasised the importance of persistence. 'Negotiations last time, that's how we got it done. We just keep grinding and keep doing the work around the clock,' she said. She added that as long as movement continues in a forward direction, progress is being made.
