WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement Extension: What Are the Implications?
The WNBA and the Players Association (WNBPA) have agreed to extend the current collective bargaining agreement until January 9, 2026, representing an extension of almost six weeks. This strategic move seeks to give both parties more time to negotiate and finalize a new agreement that defines the future of the league.
This agreement allows both parties the option to terminate the agreement with 48 hours’ notice. Meetings have extended through the weekend, with the WNBPA initially proposing a six-week extension, after considering a 24-hour one, while the league had proposed a 21-day extension.
What Does This Extension Mean and What’s Next?
The extension of the agreement is not an unprecedented event, as something similar occurred in the negotiations of the previous collective agreement, which originally expired in October 2019 and was finally ratified in January 2020. However, this extension has significant implications for the league.
The expansion draft for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire teams, which was expected earlier, will take place later than planned.
The WNBA free agency, which usually begins on January 11, could also be affected.
Prolonged labor uncertainty could have economic consequences for the league, generating concerns among fans and sponsors.
The basketball calendar could have some flexibility, but there’s still a lot to resolve this offseason. The league needs to conduct the expansion draft for the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo, which depends on the completion of a new collective bargaining agreement. The regular season usually begins in May, after the college draft, scheduled for April 13, 2026.
The Keys to Negotiation
The negotiations are focused on the salary structure and revenue sharing. The players are seeking a salary system that grows with the business, similar to the NBA, where the salary cap is determined by basketball-related income (BRI). The WNBPA does not see the WNBA’s proposal as progress, as it does not believe that the salary cap and player salaries will increase enough with the growth of the league.
The league has proposed significant salary increases and an uncapped revenue sharing, which would allow players to earn more. However, the players are seeking a salary system that is more directly based on revenue.
The Expansion Draft on the Horizon
The expansion draft for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo teams is conditional on the signing of the new collective bargaining agreement. Uncertainty has made it difficult for the teams to plan, as they depend on the rules that will be established in the new agreement.
In last year’s expansion draft, teams were able to protect six players. It is expected that for this draft, each team can protect five players. It is estimated that around 85% of the current players will be free agents this winter, which complicates the expansion teams’ decisions.Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe extension of the agreement gives both parties the opportunity to continue negotiating and get closer to an agreement. Prolonged labor uncertainty has real commercial implications, but the WNBA and the players face a tight deadline this year.
