Just before the expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the WNBA and the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) reached a 40-day extension, as announced on Sunday night. This new expiration date is set for Friday, January 9, 2026, with either party able to terminate the extension with a 48-hour notice.
Previous Extensions and Negotiation History
This marks the second extension of the current CBA. Originally set to expire on October 31, the agreement was first extended by 30 days, moving the deadline to November 30. Publicly, there was little progress in negotiations during this period, which suggested that the two sides might remain stagnant until the last-minute agreement was reached.
Extensions during CBA negotiations are not uncommon. The current CBA, ratified in January 2020, required a 60-day extension before its finalisation.
WNBA's Recent Offer
In November, the WNBA proposed a new offer that included significant salary increases, raising the minimum salary to over $220,000, exceeding the 2025 regular maximum salary of $214,466. However, players felt this offer failed to advance negotiations meaningfully. Kelsey Plum, WNBPA first vice president, stated, "If me and you aren't set on going to the correct restaurant, who cares what we're ordering as an appetizer?" She emphasised that revenue sharing and salary are their top priorities, indicating a disconnect between player expectations and league proposals.
Currently, the salary cap rises at a fixed rate of 3% per year under the existing CBA. Players are advocating for a new model that would allow salaries to increase in alignment with the league's revenue growth. Presently, players receive approximately 9% of total revenue, a stark contrast to the 49-51% that NBA players receive. While the WNBA's latest offer included a revenue-sharing element, dissatisfaction remains regarding how the salary cap and player salaries are structured.
Possible Outcomes
Looking ahead, there are four potential paths:
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A New CBA
The preferred outcome would be to secure a new CBA before January 9, allowing for the commencement of offseason activities and ensuring the 2026 season starts on time. -
Another Extension
If a deal is not reached by January 9, the parties could negotiate another extension, which would be less than ideal but preferable to a work stoppage. -
Status Quo Period
Should January 9 arrive without a new CBA or extension, a status quo period would begin. This means neither side would change existing conditions, but either could initiate a work stoppage at any time during this period. -
Work Stoppage
A work stoppage could occur if either side chooses to lock out players or if players decide to strike. A lockout would halt all league activities, including drafts and trades, potentially leading to the postponement or cancellation of the 2026 season. Notably, the WNBA has not previously experienced game cancellations due to a work stoppage.