The WNBA and the WNBPA have once again extended their collective bargaining agreement (CBA), pushing the deadline for a new deal back by six weeks. They now have until 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 30th, to finalize an agreement, or the current CBA will expire. However, the league announced shortly before the deadline that the existing agreement is extended through January 9, 2026, with either party allowed to end the extension with 48 hours’ notice. Both sides remain committed to negotiating a new deal.
This extension temporarily prevents any work stoppage, protecting the league from player strikes or owner lockouts, something the WNBA has never experienced in nearly three decades. While this allows the offseason to continue smoothly, key events like the expansion draft, usually held in December, and free agency, which typically starts in January, may be delayed until the new CBA is ratified.
Originally, the contract was set to expire on October 31 after the players’ union chose to opt out, but both parties agreed to extend negotiations until November 30. Central issues in the talks include revenue sharing and salary structures. The WNBA has proposed a maximum annual salary of $1.1 million for multiple players on each team, alongside a minimum salary exceeding $220,000 and an average salary above $460,000, with faster salary growth planned during the CBA’s term compared to previous years.
Players want a salary system linked to league revenue rather than fixed salaries. Currently, WNBA players receive about 9% of league revenue, with salaries and caps rising 3% annually. This is significantly lower than other leagues, where players get between 48-50% of revenue. Last season, the WNBA salary cap was $1.5 million, but players have been pushing for a bigger share, especially with a new $2.2 billion media rights deal kicking in 2026.
Minimum salaries last season were $66,079, with the highest “supermax” salary at $249,244. Only five players earned over $225,000: Kelsey Mitchell, Arike Ogunbowale, Jewell Lloyd, Karlea Copper, and Gabby Williams. MVP A’ja Wilson made $200,000, while rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese earned base salaries around $75,000.
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Fan Take: This extension matters greatly for WNBA fans as it ensures the league’s stability while pushing forward important negotiations around player pay and revenue sharing. The outcome could set the stage for a more financially equitable and sustainable future, bolstering the growth and competitiveness of women’s professional basketball.
