Story perspectives

WNBA CBA Negotiations Stall Offseason and Expansion Drafts

1/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

The ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations stall the WNBA offseason and delay the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire expansion draft until ratification.
The Mercury is projected to protect Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally, showing protections hinge on the CBA.
The Indiana Fever face decisions on player protection amid the uncertainty.
When the CBA is finalized, teams will navigate free agency and drafts, with changes to eligibility and core designations.

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Story summary

The ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations stall the WNBA offseason and delay the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire expansion draft until ratification.
The Mercury is projected to protect Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally, showing protections hinge on the CBA.
The Indiana Fever face decisions on player protection amid the uncertainty.
When the CBA is finalized, teams will navigate free agency and drafts, with changes to eligibility and core designations.