The WNBA has entered a historic era, with players now earning salaries capable of creating generational wealth under the league’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement. While that progress deserves celebration, the agreement’s logistical flaws are already surfacing. Both the New York Liberty and Golden State Valkyries have received emergency hardship exceptions due to injury-related roster shortages -- an early consequence of the league’s agreed-upon roster limits.
As per the Collective Bargaining Agreement, WNBA franchises have a maximum of 12 roster spots to fill, while the minimum number of players signed is 11. Additionally, teams can fill two optional developmental spots. The developmental contracts allow players to be activated for 12 games in a season, and will not count against the salary cap unless they are converted to a permanent contract. This conversion can happen without the player having to clear waivers.
There is no doubt that these development spots help alleviate the strain of a smaller roster size. How franchises opt to use these spots is down to their vision. Some front offices may choose to fill these positions with younger talent they wish to transition to more prominent roles in the future. On the other hand, some teams may utilise these spots with players who can make an immediate impact on the floor, depending on the matchup.
Regardless of the support provided by developmental contracts, both the New York Liberty and Golden State Valkyries are still feeling the effects of limited roster sizes
Limited roster sizes could affect the WNBA in the long and short-term
Injuries are a part of every sport. They are unpredictable and unavoidable. The best teams prepare for them by building enough depth at every position to withstand those setbacks. 12 roster spots are not enough to acquire multiple players in every position, and teams can suffer quickly because of that fact.
Both New York and the Golden State have already been granted emergency hardship exceptions due to injury problems. These exceptions are allowed if a team has fewer than 10 available players on its roster. In the Liberty's case, they were already down to seven players, due to injuries to Sabrina Ionescu, Satou Sabally, and Rebecca Allen, while Raquel Carrera and Leonie Fiebich remain overseas.
In the short term, smaller roster sizes could hurt the overall quality of competition across the league. Emergency hardship exceptions may allow teams to add players, but limited time together makes it difficult to build chemistry and cohesion. Instead of showcasing the high-level basketball these players are capable of when fully connected, teams will be forced to learn on the fly.
This is not just a problem for the here and now; there are long-term issues with the current roster spots available. Each year, emerging players from the NCAA -- who possess high levels of potential -- fall to the wayside because franchises cannot sign them to the roster. While developmental roster spots provide a better pathway for prospects, many talented players still see their dreams cut short -- not because they lack ability, but because teams do not have enough roster space to sign them.
From the outside, this may seem like a simple fix -- add more roster spots. But the reality is more complicated. Expanding rosters also requires teams and the league to commit additional financial resources to support those extra players, something that is not available with the current salary cap and max contracts. Sustainability must be considered in all of this.
The new Collective Bargaining Agreement is historic, but it is not perfect just yet. As the league grows, so will the roster sizes. But for now, franchises must scramble to make the best of a tough situation.
Add us as a preferred source on Google