NEW YORK (AP) — Nneka Ogwumike, the president of the players' union, emphasized that two significant topics in the ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations with the WNBA are revenue sharing and team-funded housing. As the two sides convene for the fifth consecutive day on Saturday, they aim to finalize a deal promptly to prevent any disruption to the upcoming WNBA season.
During the discussions, Ogwumike noted that addressing these two crucial points—revenue sharing and housing—holds precedence over the less critical issues that have been covered in prior sessions. “It’s very important for us to nail those two things down, which is I think the biggest thing on the agenda today,” Ogwumike stated during breaks from the bargaining meetings that commenced at 1 p.m. “So we want to make sure that we can get that.”
Revenue sharing remains a prominent challenge, with contrasting definitions between the league and the union. Historically, the league has proposed using net revenue—which is the revenue remaining after expenses—while the union advocates for gross revenue, which is the total income before expenses are deducted. Initially, when negotiations started over a year ago, the players' union aimed for 40% of gross revenue but later adjusted their ask to 26% prior to a pivotal bargaining session on Tuesday. In contrast, the league offered players over 70% of net revenue.
“We’ve talked a lot about revenue share, which is obviously going to be, I don’t even really like calling it the elephant in the room. Like it’s there, you know, like we’re going to talk about it,” Ogwumike expressed. She also highlighted the importance of housing benefits, indicating that their significance has become clearer as negotiations progress, particularly for female players in the league.
Historically, teams have financed player housing in the WNBA since its inception, but the league is proposing changes in the new CBA. Ogwumike mentioned that the union is advocating for teams to continue covering player housing for the initial years of the new agreement while allowing franchises to cease this support in the last two years for higher-salaried players. A source familiar with the negotiations, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the delicate nature of discussions, confirmed that the league's proposal includes covering housing costs for all players during the upcoming season, transitioning to only rookies and players earning minimum salaries in subsequent seasons. Additionally, the league plans to cover housing for two developmental players added to teams throughout the CBA's duration.
If the two pivotal items—revenue sharing and housing—are successfully negotiated, the WNBA season is likely to commence on schedule on May 8. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert noted that it is crucial to finalize a deal by Monday to prevent disruptions to the season. “Can things be 24 to 48 hours later than maybe a date that we put on a piece of paper just to get everybody understanding there is a basketball calendar here? Can things be 24 to 48 hours (later)? Sure,” Engelbert said. “But not much more before you start to look at, you know, can we open training camp up, you know, that kind of stuff.”
The WNBA’s schedule includes two preseason games on April 25—featuring Caitlin Clark and Indiana versus New York, and Seattle playing Golden State. Engelbert stressed the importance of the preseason, stating, “We have a fairly short preseason. We have preseason games scheduled on April 25. That’s what I first worry about. Those are some great games.”
In addition to the preseason preparations, there are significant upcoming events, including an expansion draft for Portland and Toronto, free agency involving 80% of the league, and the college draft.
