WNBA: CBA Negotiations Advance, 2026 at Risk?

Labor Negotiations in the WNBA: Will the 2026 Season Be Affected?

The WNBPA Executive Director, Terri Carmichael Jackson, reported that although progress has been made in the negotiations for the collective bargaining agreement, a possible delay in the 2026 WNBA season cannot be ruled out. Work conversations extend for a seventh day in Manhattan.

“There are deadlines, some arbitrary, that the league has established, and then there is the season schedule that has its own milestones. Absolutely, we recognize and respect it,” Jackson told reporters.

Terri Carmichael Jackson, Executive Director of the WNBPA

The negotiation session on Monday began at 2 p.m. ET. Since last Tuesday, more than 70 hours have been dedicated to the search for a new collective agreement that is intended to be “transformative” for the players and the league. The WNBPA’s outside counsel, Deb Willig, stated that, for the first time in the week, progress has been made. When asked if she believed an agreement could be completed in the next 15-20 hours, Willig replied: “I hope so.”

“I am sure that this is a fight that is significant for the players, and that they are committed to it until the end, and that they will achieve that goal,” added Jackson.

Terri Carmichael Jackson, Executive Director of the WNBPA

Jackson also pointed out that there is still work to be done. WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike mentioned that the key issues to be resolved are revenue distribution and housing.

“We are still working. We are still fighting. There are still some things, important issues, that we have to resolve,” Jackson commented.

Terri Carmichael Jackson, Executive Director of the WNBPA

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed optimism about the progress when speaking to reporters on Monday morning.

“We are working as hard as we can to get it done as soon as possible. We are going to move forward. We are going to close this deal,” said Engelbert.

Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner

Jen Rizzotti, president of the Connecticut Sun and member of the labor relations committee, added:

“I think it’s admirable to know that they’re paying attention to the fact that this is crucial and time is of the essence and we need to have a season.”

Jen Rizzotti, President of Connecticut Sun

Even if an agreement is reached soon, it is not clear if the schedule of the 2026 season will be affected. Training camp should begin on April 19, with preseason games starting on April 25, and the regular season is scheduled to begin on May 8. Before that, a college draft and an expansion draft of two teams must be held, in addition to free agency for more than 100 players. When asked if changes in the training camp would be announced soon, Engelbert replied: “I wish I knew the answer.” Engelbert has continuously emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement as soon as possible, even saying on Friday that “we have to do it on Monday.”