With less than 100 days left for the 2026 season, the uncertainties around the WNBA’s CBA negotiations are mounting like a loose cannon. The WNBPA, led by President Nneka Ogwumike, had sent its latest offer a few weeks back, but the league left it unanswered. While the talks are set to continue in an essential head-on conversation on Monday (February 2) to discuss a new offer in NYC, Ogwumike isn’t too content with the league’s approach to these negotiations.

According to reports, the league’s executive body found the WNBPA’s latest offer unrealistic and thus did not respond to the union. Ogwumike raised concerns about this decision, as it led to a four-week standoff amid a situation that demands a quick decision, especially given that all league operations, including free agency signings, have been halted, the league’s schedule has already been announced, and the college draft is set to commence in a couple of months.

“It’s not a constructive way to continue on these negotiations, especially considering the timeline that we’re in,” Ogwumike said to Front Office Sports. “To give the excuse that our proposal was not adequate is concerning.”

However, for President Ogwumike, conversations continue, regardless of the time. She wants to bring in fair equity for the players and give them what they deserve. “I don’t mean that we’re being disrespectful of the time. We know something like this takes time. If we can do this the right way, it will get done in a way that will be something we can be proud of and have a season.”

The players’ union’s latest offers include an average salary of $800,000, with an estimated salary cap of $10.5 million. Moreover, the clauses also include 30% of the WNBA’s gross revenue. Notably, the contrast in revenue-sharing approach is one of the major differences between the league and the union for now.

For instance, the league’s latest proposal includes an average salary of $530,000, with a maximum base salary of $1- $1.3 million. However, the WNBA is emphasizing paying players only from revenue (70% of net revenue), after league expenditures are covered. On the other hand, per the union’s proposal, the revenue will be shared from the league’s total accumulated earnings. These include sponsorships, broadcasters, and other external sources.

Several smaller meetings have been held over the last few months for WNBA CBA negotiations. However, they weren’t as significant as the upcoming one can be. President Nneka Ogwumike, Vice President Napheesa Collier, and First Vice President Kelsey Plum will attend this meeting. On the other hand, the league’s higher authorities, the team owners, are among those who will represent the other party.

How is the NYC Meet Significant for Nneka Ogwumike-led WNBPA and WNBA’s CBA Negotiations?

The face-to-face conversation scheduled for Monday is a major positive amid the standoff. It will allow both the union and the league to present their respective cases. And hopefully, make the right call and find a middle ground ahead of the important season. The culmination of this standoff is even more necessary with the expansion draft of the two new teams for the 2026 season: Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. It is currently on hold with the ongoing league’s business moratorium.

WNBPA First Vice President Kelsey Plum highlighted the need for these direct talks in a recent conversation. “I think we’ll learn a lot from this meeting. This is a meeting that, I think, everyone understands what’s at stake, timeline-wise,” she said. “At the end of the day, we’re human beings. I think conversation face-to-face goes a long way. Going into this meeting, I’m just excited for the opportunity to be able to be there in person with other players that are really invested in this.”

Moreover, a further delay could push back the WNBA 2026 season. Thus, a concrete solution that pleases both parties is compulsory in this timeline. With so many free agents currently in the league, the uncertainty isn’t perishing unless the WNBA’s CBA negotiations finally succeed.

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However, it won’t be possible if either parties leave a bit of space for the other. For WNBPA, it’s been simple, “pay us what you owe us”, and that’s the way they have framed their proposal. In the current NBA landscape, where players earn millions, the WNBA’s average salary last year was around $120,000. Thus, the league must respect the players’ hard work, as it’s ultimately made by the players and their fandom. So, with the meeting set to commence in a couple of days, what’s your expectation? Do let us know.