The WNBA has established a firm deadline of March 10 for reaching a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the WNBPA. The league states this date is critical to ensure the 2026 season proceeds as scheduled, avoiding disruptions to free agency, drafts, and the regular season timeline. Negotiations have been ongoing for over a year, with previous extensions failing to yield an agreement, and the league's latest proposal was shared with general managers on February 23rd.
Timeline of Negotiations and Key Developments
The path to the current deadline has been marked by several extensions and a prolonged negotiation period:
October 2024: The WNBPA officially signaled its intent to opt out of the existing CBA.
Spring 2025: Preliminary discussions commenced between the league and the union.
July 2025: The WNBPA publicly stated that the league had "failed to meet players' priorities" in early talks.
October 2025: Tensions rose, with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert vowing to improve trust after criticism from players.
October 30, 2025: A 30-day extension was agreed upon for negotiations.
November 30, 2025: A six-week extension pushed the CBA expiration deadline to January 9, 2026.
December 2025: The WNBPA announced authorization for its executive committee to "call a strike when necessary."
January 9, 2026: The previous CBA expired, leading to a "status-quo" period where negotiations continue under the terms of the expired agreement.
February 2026: The WNBA announced the new March 10 deadline. The union submitted its latest proposal on Friday, February 21st.
Core Issues Under Negotiation
The central points of contention in the CBA talks revolve around financial arrangements and player benefits:
Revenue Sharing: This is a primary hurdle.
The WNBA proposes a system that splits net revenue after expenses.
The WNBPA initially sought 31 percent of gross revenue, later revised to 27.5 percent of gross revenue (revenue before expenses).
The league's latest proposal aims for players to receive approximately 15 percent of gross revenue over the deal's life, after adjustments to expense calculations.
Players want access to total league and team revenue, not just net revenue.
Player Housing:
The league has proposed that players contribute to the cost of their housing.
The union insists that teams should continue to cover all housing expenses.
The union's latest proposal includes phasing out team-provided housing for some high-earning players later in the agreement.
Other Benefits:
The WNBA's proposals include other benefits such as two developmental player spots, new minimum facility standards, increased team staffing, a seventh guaranteed contract per team, codified charter travel, and enhanced performance bonuses.
Impact of a Missed Deadline
Failing to reach an agreement by March 10 could have significant implications for the WNBA's operations:
2026 Season Schedule: The league explicitly states the 2026 season will be impacted if no deal is finalized.
Offseason Activities: Essential offseason events are at risk:
Free Agency: The typical late January/early February free agency period has already been impacted. Business has been "functionally frozen" due to the lack of a new CBA, which is required for free agency and trades to proceed normally.
Expansion Draft: With two new teams, the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, an expansion draft is necessary.
College Draft: The annual draft for new talent needs to be conducted.
Increased Season Length: The league is already planning for an increase in regular-season games from 286 to 330 due to expansion.
Potential for Strike or Lockout: While not guaranteed, the union has authorized a strike, and a lockout remains a possibility if an agreement is not reached.
League and Union Positions
Both the WNBA and the WNBPA have presented counterproposals and stances on key issues:
Read More: Mayweather and Pacquiao agree to rematch September 19 at Las Vegas Sphere
| Issue | WNBA Proposal | WNBPA Proposal | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue Sharing | Net revenue after expenses; approx. 15% of gross | 27.5% of gross revenue (revised from 31%) | Players seek access to total league/team revenue; WNBA adjusts expense calculations. |
| Housing | Players contribute to housing costs | Teams continue to pay all housing costs | Union proposes phasing out housing for some high earners later in the agreement. |
| Expansion | Triggered revenue sharing benchmarks | N/A | |
| Other Benefits | Developmental spots, facility standards, charter travel | N/A | Includes items like minimum facility standards and increased team staffing. |
| Negotiation Tone | Set March 10 deadline; emphasizes season impact | Submitted revised proposals; authorized strike action | Negotiations have been ongoing for over a year with multiple extensions. |
Expert Commentary
"The WNBA has to conduct an expansion draft for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, a college draft, plus free agency for more than 100 veteran free agents before the start of the season." - Article 3
"The league has informed the players union that the WNBA had hit the required benchmarks in order to trigger revenue sharing." - Article 2
"If no agreement is reached, the league could face a lockout or delayed start to the 2026 season." - Wikipedia (Article 9)
Conclusion and Next Steps
The WNBA's establishment of a March 10 deadline signals a critical juncture in its labor negotiations. The league's stated intention is to safeguard the integrity and timely commencement of the 2026 season, which faces significant logistical challenges with expansion and an increased game schedule. Key sticking points remain revenue sharing and player housing. The WNBPA has made concessions, reducing its revenue share demand, while the league has also introduced proposals for other player benefits. With the current CBA having expired on January 9th, both sides will continue negotiating "in good faith," but the looming deadline suggests a resolution is urgently needed to avoid disruptions to essential offseason activities and the start of the 2026 campaign. The league has also confirmed that revenue sharing benchmarks have been met, a factor that could influence the ongoing financial discussions.
Read More: Anthony Davis Says Team Wins More Important Than MVP Award
Sources
ESPN: Sources: WNBA sets CBA deadline to keep 2026 schedule intact
ClutchPoints: WNBA sets deadline for CBA agreement 2026 season to start on time
The New York Times: WNBA says 2026 season will be impacted if no deal on a CBA by March 10
Front Office Sports: WNBA Tells Players Season Will Be Delayed Without CBA By March 10
NBC New York: WNBA CBA deadline passes without deal as league enters 'status-quo' period
Revolt: WNBPA submits new CBA counterproposal as 2026 season nears and potential strike looms: What to know
KSL: WNBPA and WNBA will not extend CBA deadline; sides will continue to negotiate 'in good faith'
Wikipedia: 2026 WNBA season
Bullets Forever: The WNBA and WNBPA’s CBA negotation deadline is today
The New York Times: WNBA releases 2026 schedule amid CBA negotiations
Bullets Forever: WNBA sends new CBA counteroffer to WNBPA
The New York Times: WNBA offers housing concession in CBA counterproposal to players
NBC Bay Area: WNBA lockout looming: What to know about CBA talks between league and players
Sports Illustrated: WNBA Sets CBA Deadline With Games at Risk
