WNBA logo (Image Credits: Imagn)

WNBA CBA Negotiations: Massive Salary Cap Jump and Record Max Contract Proposed on Day 2

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Afshan Khan | Last updated Mar 12, 2026 4:37 PM ET

The WNBA offseason is heating up as the league and WNBPA dive into intense CBA negotiations. After 17 months of discussions, the stakes are high over key issues like revenue sharing, salary caps, and player housing. With a proposed $5.75 million salary cap for 2026 on the table, the league has offered 70% of net revenue, but the WNBPA is pushing for a bigger slice of gross revenue and a higher cap.

Just recently, a 12-hour bargaining session between the league and WNBPA ended without a deal, leaving star players like Breanna Stewart and Nneka Ogwumike at the forefront of these negotiations.

As day two unfolds, the WNBA’s newest proposal has surfaced, featuring a massive salary cap increase and record max contracts.

“Salary cap starting at $6.2M (up from last offer of $5.75M and 2025 cap of $1.5M) – Max salary of $1.3M in year 1 that grows to nearly $2M in year 6.” Via Underdog NBA.

WNBA's latest CBA proposal includes:

– Salary cap starting at $6.2M (up from last offer of $5.75M and 2025 cap of $1.5M)
– Max salary of $1.3M in year 1 that grows to nearly $2M in year 6

The sides are starting a third day of extended negotiations today.
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) March 12, 2026

The reports revealed that the WNBA and WNBPA are starting a third day of extended negotiations today. Will the two sides reach an agreement and avoid a delay in the 2026 season? The anticipation continues.

Nneka Ogwumike Signals Encouraging Momentum in WNBA–WNBPA CBA Negotiations

WNBA logo (Image Credits: Imagn)

Concerns are increasing about the 2026 season, set to begin on Friday, May 8, 2026, as ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations may affect it. Recently, some members of the Executive Committee who attended in-person negotiations spoke with reporters. One member, Nneka Ogwumike, provided an encouraging update on the status of the WNBA CBA negotiations.

“I think what we’re feeling is movement. We want to play. We’ve heard that from the other side as well. We need to see a more robust demonstration of that.” Ogwumike said.

The EC members who are attending bargaining in-person spoke with reporters just now.

“I think what we’re feeling is movement,” Nneka Ogwumike said.

Added: “We want to play. We’ve heard that from the other side as well. We need to see a more robust demonstration of that:”
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) March 12, 2026

Despite extensive negotiations, the WNBA and the WNBPA have yet to reach an agreement in the ongoing CBA negotiations. Fans are eagerly following day three of the discussions and are excited to see what developments will emerge.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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