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The league has proposed a 30-day extension of the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) to allow more time to negotiate a new deal.
The existing CBA is set to expire on October 31, 2025.
Sticking Points & Dynamics
- The main issue remains the salary and revenue-sharing model: players argue the current structure undervalues them and lacks direct tie-in to the business growth of the league.
- The league claims it submitted its latest proposal on October 1, and that the players’ association only responded more recently.
- The players say the “right circumstances” for agreeing to an extension or deal aren’t yet present.
- A failure to extend or reach agreement could lead to a work stoppage (strike or lockout) ahead of the next season.
Context & Significance
- A similar scenario occurred in the past: in 2019 the league and union agreed to a 60-day extension and reached a new CBA by January 2020.
- This moment may prove pivotal for the league: with expansion teams, increasing media deals, and growing profile, players believe a new CBA must reflect their rising value and investment in the business.
What to Watch
- Will the players accept the 30-day extension? They might, but only if the conditions meet their demands for transparency, share of revenue, and greater growth linkage.
- Will a new deal be struck before the deadline? The union recently indicated that an agreement by Oct 31 is unlikely.
- What happens if no agreement is reached? A work stoppage could delay or disrupt the upcoming season, the expansion process for new franchises, and player livelihoods.
- What kind of economic model will emerge? Whether the new model shifts away from fixed salary increases to one tied more directly to league/business revenue.
In short: the WNBA has extended a hand with a 30-day extension offer, but major gaps remain between the parties. The next weeks will be crucial in determining whether both sides bridge that gap — or head toward a showdown.
