Overview
- Multiple reports say the league’s latest framework lifts the supermax to about $850,000 and the veteran minimum to roughly $300,000, up from $249,244 and $78,831.
- The proposal keeps revenue-sharing tied to hitting financial targets rather than a fixed, revenue-based model, while the WNBA says it made a compelling offer and rejects claims it suggested a salary system disconnected from league revenue.
- Talks have been largely stalled since the union opted out, and reporting indicates a deal before Oct. 31 is unlikely, raising the risk of disruption to free agency, expansion planning and the 2026 season.
- Tensions with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert have escalated, with players publicly criticizing her and a reported rift extending to some team executives, though Engelbert has denied making alleged disparaging remarks.
- The standoff unfolds as the league touts rapid growth, including an 11-year, $2.2 billion media-rights deal and rising franchise values, while players highlight receiving roughly 9% of revenue compared with about 50% in major men’s leagues.