What's Happening?
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) have agreed to a moratorium on league business activities, including free agency, as they
continue to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The previous CBA expired at midnight ET on Friday, following two deadline extensions since the end of the 2025 season. During this 'status quo' period, the terms of the expired agreement remain in effect. The moratorium prevents WNBA teams from extending qualifying offers, core designations, or engaging in free agency negotiations. The primary issues in the negotiations include player salaries and revenue sharing methods. The WNBA has proposed allocating 50-70% of net revenues to players, while the union seeks a percentage of gross revenues. Despite the ongoing negotiations, the WNBA has never lost games due to labor disputes in its 30-year history. The league faces a compressed offseason schedule, needing to accommodate an expansion draft for new franchises in Portland and Toronto, free agency, and the college draft.
Why It's Important?
The outcome of these negotiations holds significant implications for the WNBA's financial structure and player compensation. A successful agreement could lead to increased salaries and better revenue sharing for players, potentially attracting more talent and enhancing the league's competitiveness. Conversely, prolonged negotiations could disrupt the league's operations, affecting team preparations and player contracts. The introduction of new franchises in Portland and Toronto adds urgency to the situation, as these teams need to establish rosters and operations. The resolution of these issues will also set a precedent for future labor negotiations in women's sports, influencing how leagues balance financial sustainability with fair player compensation.
What's Next?
As negotiations continue, both the WNBA and the players' union are under pressure to reach an agreement that satisfies both parties. The league must finalize the CBA to proceed with the expansion draft, free agency, and the college draft within a shortened offseason. Stakeholders, including team owners, players, and fans, are closely monitoring the situation, as the outcome will impact the league's growth and stability. If negotiations stall, there could be increased calls for intervention or mediation to prevent disruptions to the upcoming season.
