The deadline for the current collective bargaining agreement between the WNBA and players union has been extended to Jan. 9, avoiding expiration on Sunday night. Both parties can cancel the extension with 48 hours’ notice, similar to the previous extension. According to a source familiar with the talks, the league’s latest proposal includes a guaranteed $1 million base salary for max players by 2026, with revenue sharing expected to increase total earnings to over $1.2 million. The average player salary is projected to surpass $500,000, while the minimum salary is set to exceed $225,000 in the initial year. The salary cap is proposed to reach $5 million in 2026, linked to revenue growth each year under the CBA terms.
Initially granted a 30-day extension from the original Oct. 31 deadline, the parties aimed to reach an agreement over the holiday weekend before the impending expiry. The union suggested a six-week extension, countering the league’s shorter proposal. Amidst discussions, the union anticipates significant progress from the league during this period. With the upcoming expansion draft for Portland and Toronto being the only imminent event, it is unlikely that either side will opt to terminate the extension. Free agency, typically scheduled for late January, will be a crucial aspect for both parties to address, given the high number of veteran free agents this offseason. Players on one-year contracts last season were aware of potential salary increases with the new CBA in place.
Negotiations have centered on salaries, revenue sharing, retirement benefits expansion, charter flight travel regulations, and team facility standards. The league’s recent proposal featured revenue sharing and a maximum salary of $1.1 million for multiple players per team, progressively growing annually. Following the expiration of the previous CBA in 2019, a 60-day extension was agreed upon, leading to the eventual ratification of a new deal in January 2020.