The WNBA's latest collective bargaining proposal includes revenue sharing and a maximum salary of more than $1.1 million, available to more than one player per team and increasing annually, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The new league minimum would be over $220,000, with an average salary exceeding $460,000.
These figures would apply to more than 180 players starting in the first year of the deal and rise over the length of the contract. The proposal is described as a highly lucrative package with substantial increases over previous years, aimed at reaching a quick agreement.
The current CBA was set to expire on 31 October, but the WNBA and the players' union agreed to extend negotiations until 30 November. The players opted out of the current deal last year, seeking increased revenue sharing, higher salaries, improved benefits, and a softer salary cap.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed optimism in July that a transformational deal would be reached, saying, 'I’m still really optimistic that we’ll get something done that would be transformational.' The previous CBA was ratified in January 2020 after a 60-day extension.
