WNBA sends new CBA counterproposal that includes guaranteed housing for 2026

The WNBA sent a new collective bargaining counterproposal to the players' association that guarantees team housing for all players in 2026 and sets different housing rules for 2027–28, and the league reportedly adjusted some financial terms including a slight increase to the players' share of net revenue and higher employer 401(k) contributions.

The WNBA sent a new collective bargaining counterproposal to the players' association on Friday, according to reports. The proposal addresses team housing, financial terms and several items the league had offered previously. Negotiations have been ongoing since the players opted out of the prior CBA in October 2024, and multiple deadlines have passed while the league operates in a status quo period. Key details: - The league's counterproposal reportedly guarantees team housing for all players in 2026 and narrows housing to minimum-salary or no-service players in 2027–28; developmental players would receive studio apartments for the full agreement. - The union's previous proposal lowered its requested share of gross revenue from about 31% to 27.5% in the first year, per earlier reports. - The proposed $5.65 million salary cap for 2026 remains unchanged, and the league reportedly slightly increased the players' portion of net revenue and employer contributions to players' 401(k) accounts. - The league's prior offers that remain in the deal include two developmental player spots, new minimum facility standards, codified charter travel and additional performance bonuses. - Last week the league called the players' latest counteroffer "unrealistic" and said it would lose hundreds of millions under that proposal, according to reports. - The players opted out of the previous CBA on Oct. 21, 2024, and have said they are prepared to strike if necessary; the regular season schedule is set to start May 8 pending a new agreement. Summary: The league's counterproposal focuses on housing guarantees for 2026 and adjusts some financial elements while preserving several earlier offers. Undetermined at this time.