The WNBA and the players’ union appear unlikely to reach a new collective bargaining agreement before the Oct. 31 deadline, raising the likelihood of an extension to avoid a work stoppage.
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association has described its goal as achieving a “transformational” deal that addresses revenue sharing, roster sizes, benefits, and workplace standards. Union executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson criticized the league’s approach as the deadline draws closer.
“The players are working diligently to achieve a transformational CBA that builds on the growth, momentum, and positive news surrounding women’s sports and the W,” Jackson said in a statement to Front Office Sports. “As we approach the 60-day mark, the league’s lack of urgency leaves players wondering if it is focused on making this work or just running out the clock. Fans do not want that.”
A source familiar with the talks told FOS that extending the deadline is likely. In 2019, the sides agreed to a 60-day extension before finalizing terms in January.
The league’s timing is complicated by expansion. Toronto and Portland are set to begin play in 2026, and three more markets — Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia — are scheduled to follow by 2030. Expansion fees of $250 million per franchise have generated new revenue, which the players argue should be reflected in compensation.
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The WNBA has not announced rules or a date for the next expansion draft. That process cannot be set until a new CBA is in place. The league’s most recent expansion draft, for the Golden State Valkyries in 2024, was held weeks before free agency.
Revenue sharing remains the central dispute. Under the current agreement, the salary cap increases by 3% annually. The structure was put in place when the league’s financial position was less secure.
Since then, the WNBA has signed an 11-year, $2.2 billion media rights deal and recorded record expansion valuations. By comparison, NBA players receive roughly half of basketball-related income, with the cap rising in line with league revenue.
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Players have been vocal about the issue. During All-Star weekend in Indianapolis, union vice presidents Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier said an in-person meeting with the league showed little progress. Players also wore warm-up shirts reading, “Pay us what you owe us.”
The WNBA has never canceled regular-season games because of labor issues, though the draft and preseason were delayed in 2003. Without an agreement or extension by Oct. 31, a lockout or strike remains possible.
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