Alexa Philippou
@alexaphilippou.bsky.social
ESPN women’s college basketball, WNBA reporter. Posting on here and, for now, X | IG: alexaphilippou_ESPN
It’s one week before the CBA deadline.
Where do talks between both sides stand? What’s all this about gross vs. net revenue? What do we know about the WNBPA’s proposed salary cap, and what’s the potential impact of the max comprising 20% of it?
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Where do talks between both sides stand? What’s all this about gross vs. net revenue? What do we know about the WNBPA’s proposed salary cap, and what’s the potential impact of the max comprising 20% of it?
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
WNBA CBA negotiations: Where do labor talks stand one week before deadline?
Here's the latest on proposed salary caps and why the two sides are debating gross and net revenue ahead of the Jan. 9 deadline.
www.espn.com
January 2, 2026 at 5:35 PM
It’s one week before the CBA deadline.
Where do talks between both sides stand? What’s all this about gross vs. net revenue? What do we know about the WNBPA’s proposed salary cap, and what’s the potential impact of the max comprising 20% of it?
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Where do talks between both sides stand? What’s all this about gross vs. net revenue? What do we know about the WNBPA’s proposed salary cap, and what’s the potential impact of the max comprising 20% of it?
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Reposted by Alexa Philippou
Also included: the first reported salary figures from the players' side
Per a document obtained by ESPN, the WNBPA's Nov. 28 proposal featured a projected salary cap of approximately $12.5 mil in 2026
That proposal also included a ~$1 mil average player salary, max salary of ~$2.5 mil
Per a document obtained by ESPN, the WNBPA's Nov. 28 proposal featured a projected salary cap of approximately $12.5 mil in 2026
That proposal also included a ~$1 mil average player salary, max salary of ~$2.5 mil
As negotiations over a new CBA near the Jan. 9 deadline, the WNBA and WNBPA remain far apart on several key issues: what a revenue sharing system should look like, what should be considered revenue & how to account for expenses.
More:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
More:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Sources: WNBA, union far apart ahead of deadline
While sources said the WNBA is projecting that a recent proposal from the WNPBA would result in $700 million in losses over the course of the agreement, the union called that "absolutely false," citin...
www.espn.com
January 1, 2026 at 12:30 AM
Also included: the first reported salary figures from the players' side
Per a document obtained by ESPN, the WNBPA's Nov. 28 proposal featured a projected salary cap of approximately $12.5 mil in 2026
That proposal also included a ~$1 mil average player salary, max salary of ~$2.5 mil
Per a document obtained by ESPN, the WNBPA's Nov. 28 proposal featured a projected salary cap of approximately $12.5 mil in 2026
That proposal also included a ~$1 mil average player salary, max salary of ~$2.5 mil
Reposted by Alexa Philippou
The WNBA projects a recent proposal from the WNBPA, which would give players ~30% of gross revenue & is believed to feature a ~$10.5 million salary cap, would result in $700 million in losses over the course of the deal.
The union believes that projection is "absolutely false."
The union believes that projection is "absolutely false."
As negotiations over a new CBA near the Jan. 9 deadline, the WNBA and WNBPA remain far apart on several key issues: what a revenue sharing system should look like, what should be considered revenue & how to account for expenses.
More:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
More:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Sources: WNBA, union far apart ahead of deadline
While sources said the WNBA is projecting that a recent proposal from the WNPBA would result in $700 million in losses over the course of the agreement, the union called that "absolutely false," citin...
www.espn.com
January 1, 2026 at 12:26 AM
The WNBA projects a recent proposal from the WNBPA, which would give players ~30% of gross revenue & is believed to feature a ~$10.5 million salary cap, would result in $700 million in losses over the course of the deal.
The union believes that projection is "absolutely false."
The union believes that projection is "absolutely false."
Also included: the first reported salary figures from the players' side
Per a document obtained by ESPN, the WNBPA's Nov. 28 proposal featured a projected salary cap of approximately $12.5 mil in 2026
That proposal also included a ~$1 mil average player salary, max salary of ~$2.5 mil
Per a document obtained by ESPN, the WNBPA's Nov. 28 proposal featured a projected salary cap of approximately $12.5 mil in 2026
That proposal also included a ~$1 mil average player salary, max salary of ~$2.5 mil
As negotiations over a new CBA near the Jan. 9 deadline, the WNBA and WNBPA remain far apart on several key issues: what a revenue sharing system should look like, what should be considered revenue & how to account for expenses.
More:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
More:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Sources: WNBA, union far apart ahead of deadline
While sources said the WNBA is projecting that a recent proposal from the WNPBA would result in $700 million in losses over the course of the agreement, the union called that "absolutely false," citin...
www.espn.com
January 1, 2026 at 12:30 AM
Also included: the first reported salary figures from the players' side
Per a document obtained by ESPN, the WNBPA's Nov. 28 proposal featured a projected salary cap of approximately $12.5 mil in 2026
That proposal also included a ~$1 mil average player salary, max salary of ~$2.5 mil
Per a document obtained by ESPN, the WNBPA's Nov. 28 proposal featured a projected salary cap of approximately $12.5 mil in 2026
That proposal also included a ~$1 mil average player salary, max salary of ~$2.5 mil
The WNBA projects a recent proposal from the WNBPA, which would give players ~30% of gross revenue & is believed to feature a ~$10.5 million salary cap, would result in $700 million in losses over the course of the deal.
The union believes that projection is "absolutely false."
The union believes that projection is "absolutely false."
As negotiations over a new CBA near the Jan. 9 deadline, the WNBA and WNBPA remain far apart on several key issues: what a revenue sharing system should look like, what should be considered revenue & how to account for expenses.
More:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
More:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Sources: WNBA, union far apart ahead of deadline
While sources said the WNBA is projecting that a recent proposal from the WNPBA would result in $700 million in losses over the course of the agreement, the union called that "absolutely false," citin...
www.espn.com
January 1, 2026 at 12:26 AM
The WNBA projects a recent proposal from the WNBPA, which would give players ~30% of gross revenue & is believed to feature a ~$10.5 million salary cap, would result in $700 million in losses over the course of the deal.
The union believes that projection is "absolutely false."
The union believes that projection is "absolutely false."
As negotiations over a new CBA near the Jan. 9 deadline, the WNBA and WNBPA remain far apart on several key issues: what a revenue sharing system should look like, what should be considered revenue & how to account for expenses.
More:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
More:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Sources: WNBA, union far apart ahead of deadline
While sources said the WNBA is projecting that a recent proposal from the WNPBA would result in $700 million in losses over the course of the agreement, the union called that "absolutely false," citin...
www.espn.com
January 1, 2026 at 12:20 AM
As negotiations over a new CBA near the Jan. 9 deadline, the WNBA and WNBPA remain far apart on several key issues: what a revenue sharing system should look like, what should be considered revenue & how to account for expenses.
More:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
More:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Why did the WNBA players authorize a strike vote? How and under what circumstances would the WNBPA executive committee vote on one? What do onlookers think about a strike?
More on the fallout from last week's strike authorization vote:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
More on the fallout from last week's strike authorization vote:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
WNBA CBA negotiations: Why and when the WNBPA executive committee might vote to strike
How and when would the WNBPA executive committee vote to strike? What would that entail? What benefits would be lost?
www.espn.com
December 23, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Why did the WNBA players authorize a strike vote? How and under what circumstances would the WNBPA executive committee vote on one? What do onlookers think about a strike?
More on the fallout from last week's strike authorization vote:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
More on the fallout from last week's strike authorization vote:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike told ESPN after Thursday's strike authorization vote, "We're looking for a good deal to get done but I think we're also prepared for whatever it takes for that to happen, while also understanding that we want a 2026 season."
More:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
More:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
WNBAers on seeking 'fair' deal: 'Whatever it takes'
WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike told ESPN on Friday that despite the union's strike authorization vote amid their current negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, the WNBA players still ...
www.espn.com
December 19, 2025 at 9:53 PM
WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike told ESPN after Thursday's strike authorization vote, "We're looking for a good deal to get done but I think we're also prepared for whatever it takes for that to happen, while also understanding that we want a 2026 season."
More:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
More:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Breaking: Houston Rockets ownership is in substantive talks with the Connecticut Sun over the potential purchase and relocation of the WNBA franchise, sources told me and @ramonaespn.bsky.social.
More:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
More:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Sources: Rockets expand talks to buy, move Sun
Rockets ownership is in substantive talks with the Connecticut Sun over the potential purchase and relocation of the WNBA franchise to Houston, sources told ESPN
www.espn.com
December 19, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Breaking: Houston Rockets ownership is in substantive talks with the Connecticut Sun over the potential purchase and relocation of the WNBA franchise, sources told me and @ramonaespn.bsky.social.
More:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
More:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
The latest on the WNBPA’s strike authorization, the WNBA’s response and where things stand with negotiations:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
WNBPA members vote to strike 'when necessary'
The WNBPA announced Thursday that its members have voted overwhelmingly to authorize calling a strike "when necessary" during the ongoing negotiations between the players association and the WNBA on a...
www.espn.com
December 19, 2025 at 1:42 AM
The latest on the WNBPA’s strike authorization, the WNBA’s response and where things stand with negotiations:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Per source, the WNBA's latest proposal includes an uncapped revenue-sharing model that would:
-raise max salaries above $1.3 mil, growing to nearly $2.0 mil over the life of the deal
-raise average salaries above $530k, growing to > $770k over life of deal
-raise the min. to > $250k in Year 1 alone
-raise max salaries above $1.3 mil, growing to nearly $2.0 mil over the life of the deal
-raise average salaries above $530k, growing to > $770k over life of deal
-raise the min. to > $250k in Year 1 alone
December 18, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Per source, the WNBA's latest proposal includes an uncapped revenue-sharing model that would:
-raise max salaries above $1.3 mil, growing to nearly $2.0 mil over the life of the deal
-raise average salaries above $530k, growing to > $770k over life of deal
-raise the min. to > $250k in Year 1 alone
-raise max salaries above $1.3 mil, growing to nearly $2.0 mil over the life of the deal
-raise average salaries above $530k, growing to > $770k over life of deal
-raise the min. to > $250k in Year 1 alone
Statement from the WNBA: "While we acknowledge the players’ right to authorize a future work stoppage, we strongly disagree with the WNBPA’s characterization of the current state of negotiations, which fundamentally misrepresents the ongoing discussions taking place at the bargaining table."
December 18, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Statement from the WNBA: "While we acknowledge the players’ right to authorize a future work stoppage, we strongly disagree with the WNBPA’s characterization of the current state of negotiations, which fundamentally misrepresents the ongoing discussions taking place at the bargaining table."
BREAKING: The WNBPA executive committee has been authorized to call a strike “when necessary”
December 18, 2025 at 9:08 PM
BREAKING: The WNBPA executive committee has been authorized to call a strike “when necessary”
Angel Reese said she plans on returning to the Chicago Sky after a rocky finish to her second season led to speculation she might have played her last game for the franchise.
"I'm under contract, so yes, I plan on returning to the Sky," Reese said Friday.
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
"I'm under contract, so yes, I plan on returning to the Sky," Reese said Friday.
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Reese plans to remain with Sky after '25 drama
Angel Reese, whose relationship with the Sky became strained after she expressed concerns about the team to the Chicago Tribune, said she plans on returning to the team for the 2026 season.
www.espn.com
December 13, 2025 at 12:36 AM
Angel Reese said she plans on returning to the Chicago Sky after a rocky finish to her second season led to speculation she might have played her last game for the franchise.
"I'm under contract, so yes, I plan on returning to the Sky," Reese said Friday.
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
"I'm under contract, so yes, I plan on returning to the Sky," Reese said Friday.
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
On the CBA: Kelsey Plum called talks "a little bit disheartening," citing "how far away we are."
Caitlin Clark said while WNBA players will "fight for everything we deserve," they must seek "compromise on both ends" & "need to play basketball" next year
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Caitlin Clark said while WNBA players will "fight for everything we deserve," they must seek "compromise on both ends" & "need to play basketball" next year
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Clark, Plum cite 'disheartening' CBA talks
Caitlin Clark discussed the need for compromise in the ongoing WNBA CBA negotiations at USA Basketball camp on Friday, her first organized practice since a soft-tissue injury sidelined her for most of...
www.espn.com
December 12, 2025 at 8:08 PM
On the CBA: Kelsey Plum called talks "a little bit disheartening," citing "how far away we are."
Caitlin Clark said while WNBA players will "fight for everything we deserve," they must seek "compromise on both ends" & "need to play basketball" next year
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Caitlin Clark said while WNBA players will "fight for everything we deserve," they must seek "compromise on both ends" & "need to play basketball" next year
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Reposted by Alexa Philippou
Now that we know existing WNBA teams will be able to protect five players for the upcoming expansion draft to start building rosters for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo after a new CBA is signed, I looked at what players could be available based on current rules: www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
WNBA expansion draft: Predicting the five protected players on every roster
Teams are expected to be able to protect five players in the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo WNBA expansion draft.
www.espn.com
December 11, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Now that we know existing WNBA teams will be able to protect five players for the upcoming expansion draft to start building rosters for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo after a new CBA is signed, I looked at what players could be available based on current rules: www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Team-provided housing has emerged as a flashpoint in CBA talks. @katiebarnes.bsky.social and I explored how housing works in the WNBA, why the league may no longer want to provide it and the potential ramifications:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
WNBA CBA negotiations: Why team-provided housing has become a flashpoint
As both sides continue negotiations ahead of the Jan. 9 deadline, housing emerged as an issue in the latest proposal.
www.espn.com
December 5, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Team-provided housing has emerged as a flashpoint in CBA talks. @katiebarnes.bsky.social and I explored how housing works in the WNBA, why the league may no longer want to provide it and the potential ramifications:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Can confirm @anniecostabile.bsky.social that the WNBA has proposed an earlier start to training camp and no longer having teams provide player housing.
Lots to still discuss and figure out in the coming weeks as both sides approach the new Jan. 9, 2026 deadline:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Lots to still discuss and figure out in the coming weeks as both sides approach the new Jan. 9, 2026 deadline:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Sources: Earlier camp start part of WNBA proposal
Along with significant salary increases and a new compensation system, the WNBA also is proposing to its players amid CBA talks an earlier start date for training camps and cutting team housing, sourc...
www.espn.com
December 2, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Can confirm @anniecostabile.bsky.social that the WNBA has proposed an earlier start to training camp and no longer having teams provide player housing.
Lots to still discuss and figure out in the coming weeks as both sides approach the new Jan. 9, 2026 deadline:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Lots to still discuss and figure out in the coming weeks as both sides approach the new Jan. 9, 2026 deadline:
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
From NBA Today, new reporting on the WNBA's latest CBA proposal:
December 1, 2025 at 8:54 PM
From NBA Today, new reporting on the WNBA's latest CBA proposal:
ICYMI last night: The WNBA and WNBPA agreed to an extension on the current CBA through Jan. 9, as they look to continue negotiations toward a new deal.
The agreement includes the option for either party to terminate the extension with 48 hours' notice.
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
The agreement includes the option for either party to terminate the extension with 48 hours' notice.
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
WNBA, union agree to 40-day extension on CBA
The WNBA and WNBA Players Association agreed to a 40-day extension on the current CBA that includes the option for either party to terminate the extension with 48 hours' notice.
www.espn.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:56 PM
ICYMI last night: The WNBA and WNBPA agreed to an extension on the current CBA through Jan. 9, as they look to continue negotiations toward a new deal.
The agreement includes the option for either party to terminate the extension with 48 hours' notice.
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
The agreement includes the option for either party to terminate the extension with 48 hours' notice.
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
Statement to ESPN from the WNBA: “The WNBA and WNBPA have agreed to extend the current CBA through January 9, 2026, with either party having the option to terminate the extension with 48 hours’ advance notice. The WNBA and WNBPA are continuing to work toward a new agreement.”
December 1, 2025 at 4:31 AM
Statement to ESPN from the WNBA: “The WNBA and WNBPA have agreed to extend the current CBA through January 9, 2026, with either party having the option to terminate the extension with 48 hours’ advance notice. The WNBA and WNBPA are continuing to work toward a new agreement.”
Via @ramonaespn.bsky.social: Sources told ESPN that the league has been proposed a 21-day extension. Two sides are still discussing length of the extension, which expires at midnight tonight.
A statement provided by the WNBPA to ESPN:
“We have proposed a six-week extension. We expect substantive movement from the league within this window.”
“We have proposed a six-week extension. We expect substantive movement from the league within this window.”
December 1, 2025 at 3:48 AM
Via @ramonaespn.bsky.social: Sources told ESPN that the league has been proposed a 21-day extension. Two sides are still discussing length of the extension, which expires at midnight tonight.
A statement provided by the WNBPA to ESPN:
“We have proposed a six-week extension. We expect substantive movement from the league within this window.”
“We have proposed a six-week extension. We expect substantive movement from the league within this window.”
December 1, 2025 at 3:37 AM
A statement provided by the WNBPA to ESPN:
“We have proposed a six-week extension. We expect substantive movement from the league within this window.”
“We have proposed a six-week extension. We expect substantive movement from the league within this window.”
The WNBA CBA expires at 11:59 p.m. ET tonight
Some of the possible outcomes:
1. An extension is agreed upon by both the league & WNBPA
(cont.)
Some of the possible outcomes:
1. An extension is agreed upon by both the league & WNBPA
(cont.)
November 30, 2025 at 9:26 PM
The WNBA CBA expires at 11:59 p.m. ET tonight
Some of the possible outcomes:
1. An extension is agreed upon by both the league & WNBPA
(cont.)
Some of the possible outcomes:
1. An extension is agreed upon by both the league & WNBPA
(cont.)
What’s the latest on WNBA CBA negotiations as the two sides meet this week? We look at the players’ reaction to the league’s proposal last week, which one player called a “slap in the face,” and latest expansion draft news. The Nov. 30 deadline looms.
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
WNBA CBA negotiations: Why players say league's latest proposal is 'slap in the face'
The Nov. 30 WNBA deadline is looming for a new CBA. The two sides continue to meet during the holiday week.
www.espn.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:54 PM
What’s the latest on WNBA CBA negotiations as the two sides meet this week? We look at the players’ reaction to the league’s proposal last week, which one player called a “slap in the face,” and latest expansion draft news. The Nov. 30 deadline looms.
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...
www.espn.com/wnba/story/_...