The WNBA and the players union have agreed to extend the current collective bargaining agreement until Jan. 9, just before the original deadline expired on Sunday night. This extension, like the previous one, allows either party to terminate it with a 48-hour notice.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the league’s latest proposal outlines a guaranteed $1 million US base salary for max players in 2026, with revenue sharing expected to increase total earnings for these players to over $1.2 million. The average player salary is projected to surpass $500,000, while the minimum salary is expected to exceed $225,000 in the first year. Additionally, the salary cap is set to rise to $5 million in 2026, linked directly to revenue growth under the CBA.
The initial deadline of Oct. 31 was extended by 30 days, with the final deadline set for Sunday night. Both parties met over the holiday weekend in an effort to reach an agreement. The union proposed a six-week extension after the league suggested a shorter one, expressing expectations for significant progress from the league within this timeframe.
With the only imminent event being the expansion draft for Portland and Toronto, it is unlikely that either side will opt to terminate the extension. The upcoming focus will shift to free agency, typically occurring in late January, in what is considered an unprecedented offseason with most veterans becoming free agents. The negotiations have revolved around salaries, revenue sharing, retirement benefits, charter flight travel, and team facilities standards.
After the previous CBA expired in 2019, both parties agreed to a 60-day extension before ratifying a new deal in January 2020.