WNBA March 10 Deadline for 2026 Season CBA Talks

The WNBA has set a March 10 deadline for a new labor deal. This is the latest in ongoing talks about player pay and how money is shared. The 2026 season could be changed if no agreement is reached.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

The WNBA has established a new deadline of March 10 for reaching a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), signaling an urgent need to finalize terms and prevent disruptions to the upcoming 2026 season. The league's general managers were informed of this date, as the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) prepares to meet with leadership to discuss the league's latest proposal. This deadline marks a significant point in protracted negotiations that have already impacted the league's offseason activities. The March 10 deadline looms as both the WNBA and the WNBPA attempt to bridge fundamental disagreements on revenue sharing and player compensation, with the potential for the 2026 schedule to be affected should an agreement not be reached.

Background to the Negotiations

Negotiations for a new CBA have been ongoing, with previous extensions used to avert work stoppages. The current agreement was extended multiple times before its original expiration. The league and players previously extended the CBA in late October and again in early December 2025, with deadlines on November 30 and December 1, respectively, to allow more time for discussions.

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  • October 2025: The WNBA and WNBPA agreed to a 30-day extension to the CBA, pushing the deadline past its initial expiration. This extension was seen as a step to avoid a work stoppage.

  • November 30, 2025: Another extension deadline passed, with both sides reportedly meeting regularly but remaining far apart on key issues.

  • December 1, 2025: A six-week extension was agreed upon to avoid a work stoppage, with discussions continuing.

  • January 9, 2026: The previous CBA expired, indicating a period where an agreement was not yet reached, and extensions were critical to maintaining operations.

  • February 23, 2026: The league announces the new March 10 deadline.

Key Issues in Dispute

The central points of contention in the CBA negotiations revolve around financial aspects, primarily revenue sharing and player compensation.

Sources: WNBA sets deadline to keep '26 intact - 1

Revenue Sharing Model

  • League Proposal: The WNBA is reportedly proposing a revenue-sharing model that distributes a portion of the net revenue after expenses are deducted.

  • Player Proposal: The WNBPA is seeking access to total league and team revenue, suggesting a broader basis for calculating player compensation and benefits.

This divergence on how revenue is defined and distributed is a fundamental obstacle. Players aim for a system that they believe more accurately reflects their contribution to the league's financial success.

Player Compensation and Benefits

  • Player Pay and Revenue: Players desire their pay to be directly linked to league revenue, with immediate implementation. The league, however, appears to favor a phased approach, potentially tied to new media rights deals and revenue benchmarks.

  • Benefits for Retired Players: The union has also emphasized the need for improved health benefits for retired players, acknowledging the contributions of those who have been with the league since its inception. Discussions have reportedly touched on formalizing these benefits.

League Operations and Expansion

The ongoing negotiations are taking place against a backdrop of significant league activity. The WNBA has several key operational events that must be managed, many of which are impacted by the absence of a finalized CBA.

  • Expansion Drafts: The league is planning for expansion drafts for new teams, including the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire. The integration of new franchises requires clear guidelines within the CBA.

  • Player Movement: Free agency for over 100 veteran players is a critical period. A new CBA would likely reshape the salary cap and provide a clearer framework for player movement.

  • Drafts and Training Camps: The college draft is scheduled for April 13, and training camp is slated to begin on April 19. The league has stated that the 2026 season will be impacted if a deal isn't reached by the March 10 deadline.

Player and League Positions

Sources indicate that the WNBA and the WNBPA remain steadfast on their core demands, making an agreement challenging.

Sources: WNBA sets deadline to keep '26 intact - 2

  • League Stance: The WNBA has communicated its concerns regarding the 2026 schedule, indicating that it will be impacted if a deal is not finalized by the March 10 deadline.

  • Player Stance: The WNBPA has submitted its latest proposal and is preparing for further discussions, indicating a commitment to achieving favorable terms for its members. There is a belief among some that players could sustain a holdout if necessary, given the potential for broader revenue access.

Expert Analysis

"The core issue remains the distribution of the financial gains the league is experiencing. Both sides have leverage, but the approaching deadlines and the need for operational certainty for the 2026 season are creating significant pressure." - Source attributed to reporting on sports business negotiations.

The current situation reflects a dynamic where the league seeks financial stability and growth through controlled revenue sharing, while players aim for direct and substantial benefits reflecting the league's increasing value and their role in its success. The league's past has been free of work stoppages, a history both sides appear keen to maintain, though the divisions are deep.

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Conclusion and Implications

The March 10 deadline represents a critical juncture for the WNBA and the WNBPA. The league's explicit statement that the 2026 season will be impacted underscores the severity of the ongoing dispute. Key areas of disagreement, particularly concerning revenue sharing and player compensation models, have persisted through multiple extensions.

The WNBPA's plan to review the league's latest proposal is the immediate next step. The outcome of this review and subsequent discussions will determine whether the league can proceed with its planned schedule and operational events, including drafts and the start of training camp. The resolution of these negotiations will shape the economic structure of the WNBA for players and teams and influence the league's trajectory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the new deadline for the WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) talks?
The WNBA has set a new deadline of March 10 for reaching a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This date is important for finalizing terms before the 2026 season.
Q: Why is the WNBA setting a March 10 deadline for the CBA?
The league needs to finalize the CBA by March 10 to avoid disrupting the upcoming 2026 season. Talks have been ongoing and need to be settled soon.
Q: What happens if the WNBA and players do not agree on a new CBA by March 10?
The WNBA has stated that the 2026 season will be impacted if a deal is not reached by the March 10 deadline. This could mean changes to the schedule or other league operations.
Q: What are the main disagreements in the WNBA CBA negotiations?
The main disagreements are about how revenue is shared and how players are paid. The players want to share in total league revenue, while the league proposes sharing after expenses are paid.
Q: When did the previous WNBA CBA expire?
The previous WNBA CBA expired on January 9, 2026. The league and players had agreed to several extensions before this date to continue negotiations.