The WNBA and WNBPA (players’ union) have not reached a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for the 2026 season and beyond since October 31. However, both sides agreed to a 30-day extension of negotiations. Today is that day and there doesn’t seem to be any agreement. According to The Athletic’s Ben Pickmanthe two teams still differ on the WNBA salary structure.
What are the things that could happen? First, there could be a work stoppage. If the owners do this, it’s a lockout. Players would be barred from the team’s training facilities and any direct contact with team personnel. However, if the players do so, it is a strike in which the players agree not to contact team personnel or attend the team’s training facilities. Since the WNBA Draft Lottery That was last week, so it seems unlikely that a work stoppage will happen. Additionally, the WNBA offseason is very long. There is no pressing date on the calendar, like the 2026 NCAA Division 1 Women’s Basketball Championship Game in April 2026 in the coming days to force a major negotiation, one way or another.
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However, the 2025-26 WNBA offseason schedule won’t be just another free agency period, even though players are in line to receive significantly more money. The Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire will be the next two WNBA expansion teams. The 13 current WNBA teams, including the Washington Mystics, must therefore determine which players to protect against an expansion draft. Last year, the Golden State Valkyries held an expansion draft in December 2024. If there is no new active or pending CBA in the coming days, it is possible that the expansion draft will not take place until 2026. There are currently no expansion drafts planned.
In short, the WNBA and WNBPA still seem to be on hold. And as long as both sides are talking, that’s a good thing.
