The WNBA and its players' union are at a standstill over a new collective bargaining agreement, raising the possibility of the league's first-ever lockout in 2026. Key disputes include revenue sharing and salary structures, threatening the league's recent momentum and expansion plans.
October 4, 2025
Source:
The New York Times
Sticking Points Threaten 2026 Season
Fears of the WNBA's first-ever lockout are growing as the league and the players' union (WNBPA) have yet to reach a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The current deal is set to expire on October 31, 2025, leaving a narrow window to avoid a work stoppage.
The stalemate threatens to halt the league's recent and unprecedented growth in popularity and viewership.
The Core Dispute: Revenue and Salaries
At the heart of the disagreement is the players' demand for a "transformational" CBA that overhauls the league's financial structure. Key issues include:
Revenue Sharing: Players want their share of league revenue to grow as the business expands. The current model has a fixed cap, which the union argues is outdated given the league's increased franchise valuations and media interest. WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike has emphasized the need for a percentage that reflects this growth.
Salary Structure: The WNBA's salary cap increases have been modest and are not dynamically tied to the league's financial performance. This is a stark contrast to the NBA, where caps are linked to a percentage of "basketball-related income," allowing player salaries to rise with league revenue.
The WNBPA argues the current financial model does not adequately compensate players for the value they bring to the rapidly growing league, a sentiment echoed by many fans and players.
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Source:
Chicago Sun-Times
Expansion and Player Careers at Risk
The CBA negotiations cast a shadow over the league's future, particularly its planned expansion and the livelihoods of its athletes.
Expansion Delays
The WNBA is set to introduce two new teams in 2026: the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire. However, the rules for the expansion draft are directly tied to the CBA. Without a new agreement, these drafts cannot be finalized, which could delay the debut of both franchises.
This uncertainty also affects media, sponsorship, and other operational deals crucial for the league's expansion success.
Potential Outcomes and Player Options
If an agreement is not reached by the deadline, several scenarios could unfold:
Extension: Both sides could agree to a temporary extension of the current CBA to continue negotiations and avoid immediate disruption, as they did in 2019.
Strike or Lockout: A player-led strike (unprecedented in the WNBA) or a league-initiated lockout would halt all offseason activities. This would bar players from team facilities, a significant issue as more teams now provide dedicated practice spaces.
Alternative Leagues: A work stoppage could push players to seek opportunities elsewhere. This includes playing overseas or joining new ventures like Unrivaled, the U.S.-based 3-on-3 league.
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Source:
The New York Times
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