The ongoing CBA negotiations between the WNBA and the WNBPA seem far from over. With a Jan. 9 deadline fast approaching, the second agreed-upon extension, talks between the league and the Nneka Ogwumike-led players’ union over finding a common ground remain stalled in several key areas, including revenue sharing, revenue definitions, and accounting for expenses.

As per the latest updates, sources told ESPN that a recent WNBPA proposal, which would give players roughly 30% of gross revenue and feature a salary cap near $10.5 million, is projected by the league to result in $700 million in losses over the life of the agreement.

According to the WNBA, such losses would endanger the league’s financial health and exceed the combined losses of the league and its teams during its first 29 seasons.

The projections were based on previously audited league financial records, highlighting the sharp divide between the players’ expectations and the league’s financial caution. However, the union has rejected this projection, calling it “absolutely false.”

In addition to better pay, players also want improvements in benefits, roster security, and working conditions, including standardized team housing and protections against restrictive provisions that have long limited player flexibility.

And the emergence of alternative leagues like Project B and Unrivaled has only added pressure to these ongoing talks. These offseason leagues offer players higher salaries, giving them more options and leverage in negotiations.

Also, to show that they are not backing out no matter what and will do “whatever it takes,” WNBPA members recently voted overwhelmingly, 98% in favor, to authorize a strike if they feel that the league is being unfair. However, union president Ogwumike emphasized that the vote is only a strategic option, and not an immediate threat.

“We could possibly strike if we need to, but it doesn’t mean that we want that to happen,” she said. “But we have it in our arsenal in order for us to get exactly what we need, which is a fair deal that represents our value in a very meaningful way.”

While the WNBA maintains that it’s negotiating in good faith, highlighting immediate salary increases and revised revenue-sharing plans aimed at long-term growth, time is running out. With just a few days left before the second extension expires, the league and players must strike a deal or risk pushing back the upcoming season.

Why are the players not satisfied with the WNBA’s latest CBA proposal?

Even with the WNBA’s latest proposal, where they are offering maximum salaries that could exceed $1.3 million in the first year, with average pay climbing above $530,000 and minimums over $250,000, supported by uncapped revenue sharing, the union feels the deal still doesn’t reflect the true value of the players.

Despite these increases on paper, the structure would still give players less than 15% of net revenue, far below the roughly 30% the WNBPA is advocating for. Nneka Ogwumike has been clear: the proposal doesn’t capture the full contribution of the players, especially given the league’s recent growth.

Even so, Ogwumike remains hopeful that the sides can reach a deal before the Jan. 9 deadline.

“I want to play, and I know that we can get a good deal done for our players,” she said.

On the other hand, WNBA veteran star and the co-founder of Unrivaled, Napheesa Collier, also added her perspective, “There’s frustration in that both sides are trying to get what they want, but we still have that fire within us that we’re willing to do what it takes. We’re going to do whatever it takes to get what we think we deserve.”

If these CBA negotiations fail, the union can agree to another extension, but whether it’s an extension or even a strike, the ultimate result would be a delayed season, including the expansion draft and free agency, which affects over 100 players in the league. Time is short, and the clock is ticking toward a high-stakes resolution.