WNBA and WNBPA Make Major Announcement as Both Parties Remain Far Apart on New CBA Negotiations

The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) reportedly agreed to the WNBA’s offer of a 30-day extension on their CBA negotiations. With Friday looming as the deadline, the two parties, which are far apart in their standings, needed more time to continue their discussions.

The extension was not surprising, given that the players had vowed, on multiple occasions, not to back down from their stance. They even sent a “Pay Us What You Owe Us” message to the league during the All-Star game.

Some, like Sophie Cunningham, already saw the possibility of a lockout. During her exit interview a month ago, Cunningham declared that the players weren’t going anywhere “until they give us what we deserve.”

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told reporters before Game 1 of the 2025 WNBA Finals that an extension was likely on the table. She said she wanted the benefits the players are leveraging to get, but also emphasized the “long-term growth and viability” of the league.

Multiple reports noted that the sticking points in the CBA discussions have been revenue sharing and max salaries. WNBA insider Annie Costabile reported roughly two weeks ago that the players are looking at a maximum salary of $1,000,000. Meanwhile, the league isn’t budging from its $850,000 stance.

Apparently, those remain unsettled, a stalemate that led the WNBPA to agree to the 30-day extension.

WNBA and WNBPA facing high-stakes CBA talks

In October 2019, the WNBA and the WNBPA needed a 60-day extension to settle their CBA discussions. The two sides eventually ratified their agreement in January 2000, just slightly ahead of the free agency period.

For the second straight CBA talks, the two sides are headed to extra innings. However, unlike six years ago, the two parties have so much hanging in the balance for the CBA to get ratified.

Next year, the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo will join the league. Until the new CBA is ratified, both franchises remain in limbo. Rules of the expansion draft, the draft in general and free agency are put on hold.

The league is also in the middle of its biggest free agency. CBS reported on Thursday that “Kalani Brown and Lexie Brown are the only players not on rookie scale deals who are under contract for 2026.”

WNBPA officers are adamant that they don’t want a lockout, but they also promised not to give an inch, making the scenario a possibility. The WNBA and the players’ union are looking at high-stakes discussions during their 30-day extension.

Edited by Michael Macasero