The clock is officially ticking. Multiple outlets reported Monday that the WNBA warned players that a new CBA must be signed by March 10 if games are expected to begin on May 8.
If that deadline feels tight, it's because it is — while everyone remains outwardly optimistic that a deal will be completed in time, there has been little indication to the public that the goal is feasible. There's plenty at stake ahead of this season, a reality all involved parties are likely keenly aware of.
Expansion drafts need to take place ASAP
The WNBA is welcoming two new teams this year, the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire. Unlike the Golden State Valkyries, who held their own expansion draft six months before the 2025 season began, both teams are locked in a kind of standstill. While it can be assumed they've sketched out plans for who they may or may not want to add to their inaugural rosters, the teams are unable to even pretend to bring those ideas into reality without a new CBA.
Free agency may still wreak havoc on the league
It's been discussed widely, but this year's free agency will be the largest in league history when it finally happens, and its bound to cause some disruptions along the way. Those disruptions will impact everyone — players, coaches, front offices, fans — in some way, but it's difficult to discern to what degree without clear free agency terms on the table.
What can be expected is that some teams will not look like they did in 2025.
The WNBA is at risk of losing revenue and fans
Perhaps one of the most intimidating possibilities is that the league may suffer the loss of revenue and even fans if the season doesn't begin May 8 (or near enough to it). The WNBA has quite possibly never been more popular than it is now, and fans and advertisers have expectations that there will be games beginning in May.
There are few signs progress is being made
Per the Associated Press, Monday's virtual meeting included around 50 players as well as league representation. (The meeting was held virtually due to the winter storm that's currently burying New York under feet of snow.) The AP noted that both parties are still "far apart" on two persistent issues: revenue sharing and team housing.
The players have consistently argued for increased revenue sharing as well as adjustments to team housing. A source familiar with the most recent player proposal previously told ESPN the players' union is now asking for 27.5% of gross revenue — revenue before expenses are deducted — over the course of the agreement. In December, the union asked for 31% of gross revenue, a plan that would have started with 28% in Year 1 of the agreement.
A source with knowledge of negotiations previously told High Post Hoops the WNBA has attempted to compromise with the players throughout CBA conversations, which began in October 2025 after the January 2020 CBA expired.
Per the source, the league has offered brand-new uncapped revenue-sharing system tied to both league and team revenue, a salary cap that grows with league and team revenue growth, an average player salary of more than $535,000 in the first year that would grow to more than $775,000 in 2031, and a maximum salary of nearly $1.3 million in the first year that would grow to nearly $2 million in 2031.
The league's most recent proposal also offers housing for all players in year one of a new deal.