WNBA Labor Talks Intensify as Deadline Nears

Negotiations continue as league and players union exchange proposals ahead of Tuesday's deadline.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 3:24am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

WNBA collective bargaining agreement negotiations have intensified as Tuesday's deadline nears. The league and players union have exchanged multiple proposals in recent weeks, but no details have been shared on the latest offers. While the tone surrounding the deadline has softened, many significant offseason events must still occur before the 2026 season can begin as scheduled on April 19.

Why it matters

The ongoing CBA negotiations are critical to determining the future of the WNBA, including player salaries, benefits, and the league's revenue sharing model. A failure to reach an agreement by the deadline could delay the start of the upcoming season and disrupt the league's offseason timeline.

The details

The main sticking points that have slowed talks include the players union's push for league-funded housing and a larger share of gross revenue, while the league is unwilling to give players more than 70% of net revenue. Even if the two sides agree to a term sheet by the Tuesday deadline, lawyers would need around three weeks to finalize a formal contract.

  • The 2026 WNBA season is scheduled to open on April 19.
  • The league and players union have a deadline of Tuesday, March 10 to reach a new CBA agreement.
  • The WNBA offseason has been in a holding pattern since a moratorium on league business was agreed to in January.

The players

Cathy Engelbert

WNBA commissioner.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

If a CBA agreement is reached by the Tuesday deadline, the WNBA offseason can move forward with expansion drafts, free agency, and the college draft. However, the shortened timeline could result in a more condensed offseason process.

The takeaway

The WNBA's CBA negotiations have reached a critical juncture, with the league and players union racing against the clock to reach a new deal before the start of the 2026 season. While the tone has softened, significant hurdles remain, and the outcome of these talks will have major implications for the league's future.