THE current Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) was signed in 2020, initially running through 2027.
In October 2024, the Women’s National Basketball Players’ Association (WNBPA) opted out of that agreement, which started a renegotiation such that the current deal will now expire on October 31, 2025.
The opt-out was a strategic move because the union wants a new deal to better reflect the league’s growth and the value players are bringing.
As of mid-2025, the two sides are reportedly be far apart in their proposals, with tension over how revenue should be shared, how much salary growth is built in, and rules around players’ offseason obligations like overseas play.
The clock is ticking and there is increasing pressure and risk, including talk of a work stoppage like a lockout or strike if no deal is reached.
The league wants to avoid a work stoppage and maintain momentum like rising viewership, the new media deal and expansion.
The union must balance pushing hard with preserving goodwill, avoiding alienating fans or sponsors.
Financial terms are sensitive, distrust can become a major obstacle. Each side may accuse the other of negotiating in bad faith or inflating costs/revenue.
Owners are making long-term investments, and disruptions tarnish valuations; for players, missing a season is more immediately painful like income loss and crucial career stage.
The players arguably have more moral leverage as they are the ‘product’ and growing public support.
The league will stress that revenue is not guaranteed, expenses may rise and macroeconomic conditions may affect the business.
The union will counter that recent growth, media rights,and increasing franchise valuations show sustainable upside that should benefit players.
A well-negotiated CBA could redefine the economics of the WNBA, enabling players to capture more upside from league growth, make the league more sustainable for top talent that reduces reliance on overseas play and raise the floor for lower-tier players.
A failure to agree or a weak deal risks player discontent, potential departures or diminished commitment, brand damage, and possibly a labor stoppage that could disrupt seasons, media contracts and fan support.
If the union succeeds in getting a deal with a greater share of revenue and more guarantees, it might set a new standard for women’s sports and strengthen the bargaining position of other women’s-league players like women’s football, women’s volleyball, and softball.
If the league successfully resists structural change, it may retain more control and financial flexibility-but risk dissatisfaction, talent exodus, or reputation damage.