
Update on WNBA CBA Negotiations: Breanna Stewart Discusses Progress
Breanna Stewart shares insights on the ongoing CBA negotiations and the latest proposal from the WNBA, highlighting significant updates and the urgency to finalize an agreement.
The executive committee for the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) convened on Sunday to evaluate the WNBA’s most recent collective bargaining agreement (CBA) proposal received on Friday. According to WNBPA vice president Breanna Stewart, the committee aimed to ensure a clear understanding of all viewpoints and to align their requests.
Stewart expressed that while the WNBA’s proposal did not offer significant financial adjustments, it included minimum standard requirements that acknowledged player concerns. Noteworthy adjustments in the proposed offer included enhancements regarding player housing and facility standards. First-year players and those on minimum salaries would receive a one-bedroom apartment for their initial three years in the league, while developmental players would be allocated studio apartments. Previous agreements had ensured players had housing since 1999, with recent mandates for one-bedroom apartments or housing stipends.
Despite these advancements, Stewart lamented that the proposed CBA still did not bridge the existing gap on revenue sharing—a critical issue for players as they seek equitable compensation. Raising the salary cap in 2026 to $5.65 million was included in the proposal, although how it would impact individual salaries remains uncertain. Previous offers hinted at raising the maximum salary significantly over time.
The urgency of finalizing these negotiations grows as training camps are set to commence on April 19, with a packed free agency period approaching. Stewart mentioned, “Time is of the essence,” highlighting that both sides recognize the extended duration of these talks and the need for expedited resolutions.
