The WNBA is hurtling toward a potential lockout or strike after negotiations over a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the league and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) broke down just as a Thursday midnight deadline passed.
The previous agreement expired on October 31, but both sides agreed to a 30-day extension set for November 30. Despite the extra time, there is still no agreement and no clear path to one, raising serious concerns about the 2026 season.
What’s at stake
Under the league’s latest proposal, maximum player salaries could reach US$1.1 million, with the minimum salary rising to about US$220,000 — up from roughly US$66,000 under the current terms. Average player pay could rise substantially, but those increases depend on revenue-sharing triggers and a fixed salary cap still remain.
The players are pushing for more than just higher base salaries. They want a revenue-sharing system similar to the model used by the NBA, where a share of league income funds salaries — instead of a rigid fixed-cap structure.
Many players argue the league’s fixed-salary, modest-increase approach fails to match the WNBA’s recent growth in media deals, revenue, attendance, and popularity.
Rival leagues and pressure from outside
Complicating matters, alternative leagues are emerging, offering higher pay and more favorable conditions. For instance, the 3-on-3 league Unrivaled and the upcoming Project B Basketball League — reportedly offering salaries as high as US$2 million — have become attractive alternatives for some WNBA stars.
Those competing opportunities weaken the WNBA’s bargaining position: if the league cannot provide fair compensation, players may opt for greener pastures.
What happens next
With no resolution in sight, the league and union might grant another extension — but many insiders believe the window for compromise is closing fast.
If bargaining stalls, the 2026 WNBA season could be disrupted, with delayed free agency, a postponed expansion draft, or even a full shutdown. That would be a heavy blow to players, franchises, and fans, especially as the league prepares to welcome new teams in Portland and Toronto next year.
For now, the WNBA stands at a crossroads — with huge off-court issues threatening to derail its momentum just when the league appears primed for growth.
