WNBA CBA Negotiation: Insider Reveals Crucial Update on Stalled Talks Between Players and Cathy Engelbert as Discussion Window Closes

With the deadline of the current collective bargaining agreement looming on Friday, the WNBA has reportedly offered an extension in order to continue with the negotiations.

According to ESPN's Alexa Philippou, the league offered the players a 30-day extension, which would negate concerns about a possible work stoppage.

Philippou added that a source said that the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) is "willing to consider" the league's offer "under the right circumstances." However, three days before the Oct. 31 deadline, the source said the players feel that the "circumstances do not yet exist."

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said during the WNBA Finals that she is "hopeful" that the two sides will meet the deadline amid the lengthy negotiations.

Meanwhile, WNBPA senior advisor and legal counsel Erin D. Drake said earlier this month that she is "not confident" a new deal will be reached before Friday.

If the WNBA and the WNBPA cannot agree to an extension, or the extension comes and goes without another extension or a new deal, there will be a work stoppage.

The stoppage will be either a strike initiated by the players or a lockout initiated by the owners. In the event of a lockout, the 2026 season could be delayed or even canceled until a new CBA is in place.

Looking at one of the WNBA CBA negotiations' biggest hurdles

The WNBA and the WNBPA are reportedly in agreement that players deserve an increase in salary; however, there is a dispute on how the raise will come about. The players' association's priority is reportedly having a revenue-sharing model in the new CBA.

With the WNBA on the heels of a massive $2.2 billion broadcasting rights deal, players want a "fair share." In addition, television ratings and ticket sales are on an upward trend.

In the current CBA, the salary cap increases at a yearly fixed rate of 3%. According to league insider Jack Maloney, players reportedly receive just 9% of the WNBA's revenue. In comparison, NBA players receive 49 to 51% of the basketball-related income.

The WNBA's minimum salary is $66,079 and the supermax is $249,244. According to Front Office Sports, the recent proposal increases the veteran minimum to $300,000 and the supermax to $850,000. However, the proposal included retaining the current revenue-sharing model.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert previously said the league believes in increasing the players' salaries and benefits. However, Engelbert has also alluded to "supporting the long-term growth and viability" of the league.

Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos