WNBA and Players Union Face Deadline to Avoid 2026 Season Delay

Negotiations over a new CBA have stalled, putting the league's expansion plans and upcoming season at risk.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 11:51pm

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The WNBA and WNBPA are locked in a 17-month standoff over a new collective bargaining agreement, with a March 10 deadline looming that could delay the 2026 season if a deal is not reached. The main sticking point is revenue sharing, as players are pushing for a 26% share of gross revenue while the league has counter-offered a model based on net revenue of less than 15%. With the league's expansion plans and upcoming season in jeopardy, both sides are under pressure to find a compromise before the deadline.

Why it matters

The WNBA is at a critical juncture, having recently signed a $2 billion media rights deal and seeing record viewership in 2025. However, players remain underpaid, and the league's expansion plans to add two new teams in 2026 are now at risk if the CBA negotiations are not resolved. A work stoppage would be the first in WNBA history and could significantly impact the league's momentum and growth.

The details

The WNBA and WNBPA have been negotiating a new CBA for 17 months, with the league imposing a March 10 deadline that, if missed, could delay the 2026 season. Both sides have exchanged proposals, with the players asking for a 26% share of gross revenue (down from an original 27.5% demand) and the league counter-offering a model based on net revenue of less than 15%. Players like Kelsey Plum and Breanna Stewart have expressed concerns over the lack of player involvement in the process. If an agreement is not reached by March 10, the expansion draft for the new Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire teams, as well as free agency and the 2026 college draft, will be thrown into chaos.

  • The WNBA imposed a March 10 deadline on February 23, 2026.
  • The WNBA and WNBPA are scheduled to meet later today, March 10, 2026.

The players

Kelsey Plum

A WNBA player who has expressed concerns over the lack of player involvement in the CBA negotiations.

Breanna Stewart

A WNBA player who has expressed concerns over the lack of player involvement in the CBA negotiations.

Terri Jackson

The executive director of the WNBPA.

Caitlin Clark

A WNBA star who has urged both sides to "iron it out" and reach a deal.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.