The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement officially expired at midnight Friday, with the league and players’ union still divided on major issues and no extension in sight.
The deadline had already been
pushed twice, but talks failed to produce a deal. The league confirmed negotiations are ongoing, calling this a “pivotal moment” amid surging popularity and growth.
“The current Collective Bargaining Agreement has expired, and negotiations with the Women’s National Basketball Players Association remain ongoing,” the league said in a statement.
“As the league experiences a pivotal time of unprecedented popularity and growth, we recognize the importance of building upon that momentum. Our priority is a deal that significantly increases player salaries, enhances the overall player experience, and supports the long-term growth of the league for current and future generations of players and fans.”
Players, however, aren’t convinced progress is close.
Breanna Stewart admitted the two sides remain “far apart,” and made it clear a third extension was never an option. While the players’ union has authorized a potential strike, Stewart stressed it’s not imminent — just leverage.
Reports from ESPN suggest the league isn’t planning a lockout either, with both sides confident the 2026 season will still be played.
For now, the WNBA enters a ‘status quo’ period, meaning the expired agreement’s terms remain in place while negotiations continue.
At the center of the standoff is money. The league has proposed players receive 50–70% of net revenue, while the union wants a guaranteed cut of gross revenue — a significant gap.
The WNBA has never lost games to labor disputes in its 30-year history, but the delay complicates an already compressed offseason. Expansion drafts for Portland and Toronto, free agency and the college draft now all face tighter timelines.
The clock has run out — the pressure hasn’t.
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