The WNBA and its players’ union have agreed to extend the current collective bargaining agreement until January 9, following a last-minute agreement just before the deadline on Sunday night. This extension, similar to the previous one, includes a provision allowing either party to terminate it with a 48-hour notice.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the league’s latest proposal outlines a guaranteed base salary of $1 million for maximum players in 2026, with potential revenue sharing leading to total earnings exceeding $1.2 million. The average player salary is expected to surpass $500,000, while the minimum salary is projected to exceed $225,000 in the initial year. Additionally, the salary cap is set to rise to $5 million in 2026, directly linked to revenue growth under each year of the CBA.
Initially scheduled to expire on Sunday night, the 30-day extension granted by both parties following the October 31 deadline allowed for further discussions over the holiday weekend to reach an agreement. The union proposed a six-week extension after the league suggested a shorter timeline.
Amidst the current timeline, with the Portland and Toronto expansion draft being the only immediate concern, it is unlikely that either side will opt to terminate the extension. Free agency is anticipated to be the next major focus for both parties, typically taking place in late January. This offseason is unique, with nearly all league veterans becoming free agents, having signed one-year contracts last season in anticipation of significant salary increases upon finalizing a new CBA.
Negotiations have been ongoing, with revised proposals exchanged and frequent meetings held, particularly addressing salary structures and revenue sharing. The league’s recent proposal introduces revenue sharing and the potential for multiple players per team to earn a maximum salary of $1.1 million annually, with incremental growth.
Players are also advocating for enhanced retirement benefits, formalized charter flight provisions, and standardized team facility requirements. The previous CBA expired in 2019, leading to a 60-day extension followed by the eventual ratification of a new agreement in January 2020.