> At a Glance
> – Negotiations ended Friday night with no new CBA
> – Current deal stays in force; free-agency rules in limbo
> – Why it matters: A prolonged stalemate could push back the 2026 tip-off and freeze blockbuster signings
The WNBA and its players’ union let a second extension expire Friday night without a new collective-bargaining deal, leaving the league in a “status-quo” period that already forced the postponement of expansion drafts for Toronto and Portland and clouds the scheduled start of the 2026 season.
Where Talks Stand
Negotiators met repeatedly this week but remain far apart on core economics. Players want roughly 30% of gross revenue and a $10.5 million team cap in year one, with the share rising annually. Ownership’s latest offer guarantees a $1 million top salary in 2026-up from $249,000-and would deliver players 70% of net revenue after heavy expense deductions.
Key Gaps
| Proposal | League Offer | Union Counter |
|---|---|---|
| Max base salary ’26 | $1 M | Tied to cap |
| Average salary ’26 | $530 k | Tied to cap |
| Minimum salary ’26 | ≈$250 k | Tied to cap |
| Revenue split base | 70% of net | 30% of gross |
Charter flights, five-star hotels, upgraded facilities and security would all be carved out of the league’s 70%, making the effective take-home lower than the headline figure.
Union Reaction
The union blasted management late Friday:
> “Despite demonstrating our willingness to compromise… the WNBA and its teams have failed to meet us at the table with the same spirit and seriousness. They have remained committed to undervaluing player contributions, dismissing player concerns, and running out the clock.”
The league, in its own statement, said the priority is a deal that “significantly increases player salaries, enhances the overall player experience, and supports the long-term growth of the league.”
Free-Agency Chaos
With the CBA extension gone, the league must still honor its labor-law duty to let clubs issue qualifying offers starting Sunday. Without a moratorium-players declined the league’s offer of a freeze-teams and agents will negotiate blind, unsure what the eventual cap or max will look like. The previous CBA, announced January 2020, took a month to negotiate; a similar timeline now would push free-agency deep into 2025.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 season start and expansion drafts are already delayed
- Salaries could jump from $249k to $1M-$1.3M under the league plan
- Revenue-sharing math-net vs. gross-is the biggest roadblock
- Qualifying offers can officially go out Sunday, but values are unknown
- Both sides vow to keep talking under the expired deal
Until a breakthrough happens, the league’s momentum from record TV ratings and sold-out arenas remains at risk of stalling before the first tip of 2026.
