Full Breakdown
WNBA and Players' Association Reach 30-Day Extension on CBA Negotiations
10/31/2025, 2:45:19 PM
Current Status of CBA Negotiations
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) have agreed to a 30-day extension of their current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) through November 30, 2025. This extension comes just before the original CBA was set to expire on October 31, a scenario that could have led to a player strike or a lockout by team owners. The extension reflects ongoing negotiations that have been marked by tension and disagreement over key issues, particularly player compensation and revenue sharing.
Background and Context
The current CBA, signed in 2020, was intended to run through the 2027 season but included an opt-out clause that the players exercised in October 2024. This decision initiated a year-long negotiation period leading up to the potential expiration of the agreement. The WNBA has seen significant growth, including a $2.2 billion media rights deal set to begin in 2026, yet players argue they receive only about 9% of league revenue, a stark contrast to the NBA's 49-51% share.
Key Issues in Negotiations
Central to the negotiations are proposals from both sides regarding salary caps and revenue sharing models. The WNBA has proposed increases to minimum and maximum salaries while maintaining a fixed salary cap unless specific revenue targets are met. Conversely, the WNBPA has advocated for a revenue-sharing model similar to those in the NBA, NFL, and NHL, which would tie player salaries more closely to league earnings. The two sides have publicly accused each other of failing to negotiate in good faith, with the WNBA claiming the players' association has not presented a viable economic proposal.
Criticism and Opposition
Tensions have escalated, particularly following comments from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who suggested that players would see significant salary increases. Players, including WNBPA Vice President Napheesa Collier, have expressed dissatisfaction with the league's leadership and negotiation tactics. Collier criticized Engelbert, stating, "We have the best players in the world... but right now we have the worst leadership in the world." This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among players regarding their compensation and the league's accountability.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the extension, a WNBA spokesperson emphasized the league's commitment to negotiating a mutually beneficial agreement, stating, "We stand ready to continue negotiating in good faith and hope they will do the same." Meanwhile, WNBPA senior adviser Erin D. Drake noted the difficulty in finding a sense of urgency from the league, indicating that an agreement by the original deadline was unlikely.
What's Next
The extension allows for continued negotiations without the immediate threat of a work stoppage, enabling the WNBA offseason to proceed as scheduled. Upcoming key dates include the draft lottery in November and the expansion draft in December. However, a new CBA must be ratified before free agency begins in January 2026, leaving both sides with limited time to resolve their differences.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have the best players in the world, we have the best fans in the world, but right now we have the worst leadership in the world,” — Napheesa Collier, WNBPA Vice President
- “We stand ready to continue negotiating in good faith and hope they will do the same so that we can finalize a mutually beneficial new CBA as quickly as possible.” — WNBA Spokesperson
This extension serves as a temporary reprieve in the ongoing negotiations, but significant challenges remain as both parties seek to address the core issues of player compensation and revenue sharing.
