The GIST: The WNBA’s self-imposed March 10th collective bargaining agreement (CBA) deadline is…tomorrow — and despite the exchange of highly-classified counterproposals over the weekend, the two sides have yet to agree on a new deal. Let’s hoop to it.
📌 What’s at stake?: Tomorrow’s deadline marks the date the league says there needs to be a CBA in place to avoid delaying the 2026 season. Notably, the WNBA is already operating on a truncated timeline with free agency, a two-team expansion draft, and the entry draft all still on the to-do list before the season is supposed to tip off on May 8th. *gulps*
- Not to mention, this year’s free agency period is expected to be the most chaotic in league history: In anticipation of a new CBA (and the increases in pay and benefits that come with it), almost every player is a free agent this offseason. That’s a lot of contracts to sign.
⚠️ Revenue sharing remains a sticking point: Though some concessions have been made in areas like housing, charter flights, and salary caps, neither side has budged when it comes to the type of revenue that’s shared. The WNBPA wants a portion of gross revenue, but the league has called that unrealistic, offering a share of net revenue instead.
- With the clock ticking, some players, including NY Liberty icon Breanna Stewart and Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, are pushing for a face-to-face meeting, no matter the length, to “iron it out.” Procure some late-night snacks — we’re banking on a buzzer beater.