> At a Glance
> – The WNBA and its players’ union missed the Friday-night deadline for a new collective-bargaining deal
> – Negotiations continue under the expired CBA, but free agency and Toronto/Portland expansion draft are on hold
> – League’s latest offer would lift 2026 max base salary to $1 million and average pay to $530,000
> – Why it matters: A prolonged stalemate could push back the 2026 season start and reshape pay for stars like Caitlin Clark
The WNBA’s push to capitalize on record popularity slammed into a familiar roadblock Friday night as talks for a new labor deal collapsed with no extension in place.
With the clock expiring, the league now operates in a “status-quo” period while the sides keep bargaining under the old contract. Free agency, originally slated for Sunday, is frozen and the expansion draft for Toronto and Portland has already been delayed.
Where the Gaps Are
Two prior extensions bought time, but core divides remain:
- Salary structure: Players want roughly 30 % of gross revenue; owners offered 70+ % of net after expenses
- Revenue sharing: The union’s plan starts at $10.5 million cap and scales up annually
- Minimum pay: League proposes $250,000 in 2026 versus the current $67,000
The union claims owners are low-balling contributions and “running out the clock.”
League’s Offer in Numbers
| Metric | Current | 2026 Proposal | Peak Deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max base salary | $249,000 | $1 million | $2 million* |
| Average salary | $120,000 | $530,000 | $770,000+ |
| Minimum salary | $67,000 | $250,000 | TBD |
*Includes potential revenue-sharing bonuses
The package would also double the minimum for high-profile rookies like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers.
What Happens Next
Teams may still send qualifying offers Sunday because the expired CBA remains legally binding. A joint moratorium could freeze all signings, but the union has not agreed to one yet.
Any eventual agreement will need roughly two months of ratification before free agency can restart, putting Opening Day 2026 at risk if talks drag on.
WNBA statement:
> “Our priority is a deal that significantly increases player salaries, enhances the overall player experience, and supports the long-term growth of the league.”
Union statement:
> “Pay equity is not optional and progress is long overdue.”
Key Takeaways
- Negotiations continue under the expired CBA, keeping the 2026 season start in limbo
- The league’s offer would raise average pay more than four-fold by 2026
- Revenue-sharing math-gross vs. net-remains the biggest sticking point
- Free agency rules are technically active, but teams and players lack salary-cap clarity
Without a breakthrough, both the WNBA’s momentum and its players’ paychecks could stall well into next year.
