Nneka Ogwumike and other members of the executive committee of the WNBA players’ union expressed optimism about progress in negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement following a lengthy session on Wednesday night.

“We are eager to get back on the court. The willingness to play is mutual,” said Ogwumike, who serves as the union president. “However, we require more concrete actions to demonstrate this commitment.”

The negotiations on Wednesday followed a marathon 12-hour meeting that commenced on Tuesday at 5 p.m. EDT. Both parties are scheduled to reconvene for discussions on Thursday.

Ogwumike noted a sense of movement in the negotiations, emphasizing the importance of being present in the discussions and exchanging proposals.

The union has presented seven proposals over the past two days, awaiting a response from the league. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert confirmed that the league submitted a fresh offer after the players had adjourned for the night.

Engelbert described the league’s proposal as a landmark deal that would significantly enhance player salaries and benefits while ensuring the league’s sustainability.

According to sources familiar with the talks, the league’s latest offer includes an increased salary cap of $6.2 million for the first year, up from $5.75 million in previous discussions.

The negotiations involve key figures from both sides, including Breanna Stewart, Alysha Clark, Brianna Turner, and union executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson. The league’s representatives include Engelbert, Bethany Donaphin, and Clara Wu Tsai.

Revenue sharing, housing arrangements, franchise tag allocation, and benefits for retired players are identified as crucial points of contention in the negotiations.

While the league had set a deadline for a preliminary labor agreement by Tuesday to maintain the season schedule, both parties are working towards a resolution.

Ogwumike clarified that the union did not view the Tuesday deadline as a strict requirement, highlighting their ongoing commitment to negotiating in good faith.

If an agreement in principle is reached, further work on finalizing the CBA would be required before proceeding with plans for the upcoming season, including an expansion draft for new franchises in Portland and Toronto.

The negotiations aim to establish a revenue-sharing model that balances the interests of both the players and the league, with proposals and counteroffers being exchanged to achieve a mutually beneficial agreement.