The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) has reportedly agreed to the WNBA’s offer of a 30-day extension to CBA negotiations. With the deadline being Friday, the two sides, whose rankings are very different, need more time to continue discussions.
This extension is not surprising, because the players have repeatedly vowed not to back down. They even sent itmessage “Pay what you owe us”to the league during the All-Star game.
Some, like Sophie Cunningham, saw the possibility of a strike. In his exit interview a month ago, Cunningham declared that the players would not go anywhere “until they give us what we deserve”.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told reporters before Game 1 of the 2025 WNBA Finals that an extension would likely be considered. She said she looks forward to the benefits the players are taking advantage of, but also emphasized the “long-term growth and viability” of the league.
Multiple reports say the sticking points in CBA discussions are over revenue sharing and the salary cap. WNBA insider Annie Costabile reported about two weeks ago thatthe players are aiming for a salary cap of $1,000,000.Meanwhile, the league has not changed its stance on the $850,000 salary.
Apparently these issues remain unresolved, an impasse that forced the WNBPA to agree to a 30-day extension.
WNBA and WNBPA face high-stakes CBA negotiations
In October 2019, the WNBA and WNBPA needed a 60-day extension to resolve CBA discussions. The two sides finally ratified the deal in January 2000, just slightly before the free transfer deadline.
This is the second consecutive CBA negotiation, the two sides are heading to extra time. However, unlike six years ago, the two sides are now facing many difficulties to get the CBA ratified.
Next year, Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo will join the league. Until the new CBA is ratified, both teams are still in a precarious situation. The rules of the open draft, the general draft and the free player transfer window are all postponed.
The tournament is also in its largest free transfer period. CBS reported Thursday that “Kalani Brown and Lexie Brown are the only two non-rookie players still under contract through 2026.”
WNBPA officials were adamant that they did not want a strike, but they also promised not to give in, making this scenario a possibility. The WNBA and the players’ union are considering significant discussions during the 30-day extension period.
