The WNBA generated enough money to trigger revenue sharing in 2025 for the first time in the league's 30-year history, ESPN reported Monday — and many are interpreting that as a strong sign that the WNBPA is right to continue its fight for a new CBA terms.
ESPN noted the WNBPA declined to provide bank statements, the amount of revenue the league made, or the number that was required for automatic revenue sharing. The WNBA declined to comment.
As noted by the outlet, the terms of the 2020 CBA dictate that players would receive 50% of shared revenue, which is "defined in the CBA as the amount of revenue over a predetermined threshold minus 30% for expenses." Last year that amount totaled to around $16 million, and of that number, $8 million is paid out to the players who were active on rosters last season. The rest will be used to support offseason marketing agreements with players who promote the league.
The money is expected to be paid out to players by June 1, and will be determined by how active an athlete was from 2020-2025. Players will be able to receive a maximum of $50,000 per year they played, and players who have since retired or were released from their teams are eligible for payments.
The revenue payments could impact CBA negotiations
While there has not been an explicit comment from the WNBA or WNBPA about how this milestone could impact CBA negotiations, some players have already indicated they believe it further supports their efforts. As WNBPA treasurer Brianna Turner told ESPN, "This shows our value and how what we're fighting for makes sense and how we should keep fighting."
The WNBA and WNBPA are still locked in CBA negotiations, which have to be completed before league business can resume. This includes expansion drafts for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, the largest period of free agency in league history, the WNBA Draft, and training camp for all of the league's teams.
The players have consistently argued for increased revenue sharing as well as adjustments to team housing. A source familiar with the most recent player proposal previously told ESPN the players' union is now asking for 27.5% of gross revenue — revenue before expenses are deducted — over the course of the agreement. In December, the union asked for 31% of gross revenue, a plan that would have started with 28% in Year 1 of the agreement.
The 2026 season is scheduled to begin on May 8.