The WNBA and the WNBPA (players’ association) have not finalized a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) beyond the 2026 season since October 31, though they agreed to extend negotiations for an additional 30 days. Today marks the end of that extension, yet it seems unlikely that a deal will be reached soon. According to Ben Pickman from The Athletic, the two sides still disagree over the league’s salary structure.
What could happen next? The league might initiate a work stoppage, which would result in a lockout where players are barred from entering team facilities or communicating with team staff. Conversely, if players refuse to engage with team officials or attend team activities, it would be considered a strike. However, a work stoppage seems improbable since the WNBA draft lottery just took place last week, and the league’s offseason—running into 2026—is quite lengthy with no pressing deadlines like the 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship looming soon.
The 2025-26 offseason involves more than free agency; it also includes the introduction of two new expansion teams, the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire. The current 13 WNBA teams, including the Washington Mystics, will need to decide which players to protect ahead of the expansion draft. Last year, the Golden State Valkyries held their expansion draft in December 2024. If no new CBA is agreed upon shortly, the expansion draft might be delayed until sometime in 2026, though no drafts are currently scheduled.
In summary, the WNBA and WNBPA appear to be in a temporary holding pattern, and ongoing discussions are a positive sign.
Fan Take: This negotiation period is critical for WNBA fans because the outcome will directly impact player salaries and league growth, especially with new teams joining. Successfully navigating this process can strengthen the league’s future and elevate the sport’s profile nationwide.
