The WNBA and its players’ union paused as the deadline for a new collective bargaining agreement passed without a deal.
According to CNN, rather than triggering an immediate shutdown, the missed deadline moves the league into a temporary holding pattern while negotiations continue under the existing agreement.
Under U.S. labor law, the current CBA remains in effect during this “status quo” period, meaning league business can proceed. But with major financial questions still unresolved, uncertainty now hangs over the start of the 2026 season and the upcoming free agency window.
The players’ union made clear that frustration is growing. In a statement released after talks stalled, the union said, “Despite demonstrating our willingness to compromise in order to get a deal done, the WNBA and its teams have failed to meet us at the table with the same spirit and seriousness.”
The statement continued by accusing the league of “undervaluing player contributions” and dismissing player concerns as negotiations dragged on.
The league, however, maintains that progress is still possible. In a statement, the WNBA said it continues to negotiate “in good faith” and emphasized that its goal is reaching an agreement that “significantly increases player compensation while ensuring the long-term growth of the business.”
One immediate issue centers on free agency. Teams are legally allowed to issue qualifying offers to certain players, including restricted free agents, but the lack of clarity around a future salary cap has made teams hesitant.
Given the uncertainty about the new financial framework, league sources do not expect meaningful movement until a deal is finalized.
Money remains at the heart of the standoff. The league’s most recent proposal would dramatically reshape player pay, including a $1 million maximum base salary in 2026, with the potential for up to $1.3 million in revenue sharing. Average salaries would climb above $530,000 in the first year of the deal, while minimum salaries would rise to roughly $250,000.
The proposal also includes revenue sharing that would give players more than 70% of net revenue, calculated after expenses such as travel upgrades, medical care, and facilities.
The union, meanwhile, has countered with a model that calls for roughly 30% of gross revenue — before expenses — paired with a higher team salary cap that would increase annually.
“Make no mistake,” the union said in its statement. “Pay equity is not optional and progress is long overdue.”