WNBA & Players Association Extend CBA Deadline To January As Salary Talks Intensify

WNBA & Players Agree to New Extension — CBA Deadline Pushed to Jan. 9, 2026

Sunday, just before the previous deadline hit, the WNBA and WNBPA shook hands on another extension. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) now runs until January 9, 2026, giving both sides another six weeks to try to hammer out a long-term deal. Although, either party can still opt out with 48 hours’ notice.

This marks the second extension since the original CBA was slated to expire in late October. The first extension carried negotiations into November, and now this second one stretches into the new calendar year.

What’s OFF the Table

The league has reportedly offered a rejected in the first negotiation period (October) pay structure: a max salary of over $1.1 million and more than $220,000 minimum.

Where the Table Sits

2025’s max base salary was $249,244 and min of $66,079.

What’s ON the Table

The league has now came back with a reported offer of: a guaranteed max of $1M base salary with projected revenue sharing more than $1.2M, along with a projected minimum to exceed $225,000.

Despite the raise on paper, many players remain wary. The union argues salary growth must track league revenues and market value in a sustainable way, not just across-the-board tweaks. Revenue sharing remains the key demand, but unfortunately the WNBA has struggled to make a profit in its 29 years which could be a stalling point for the league in current and future negotiations.

For now, the extension buys time. But with no public sign of an agreement, the possibility of further wrangling, or even a lockout remains alive.

WNBA Draft Lottery 2026: A Bright Spot Amid the Drama

While negotiations continue, the league is still moving forward with its offseason plans. The 2026 WNBA Draft Lottery took place recently, determining the top picks for next year’s draft.

The Dallas Wings won the jackpot again, securing the No. 1 overall pick for 2026. That gives them a shot at adding a top player to pair with their 2025 pick Paige Bueckers who was named Rookie Of The Year.

Despite looming labor uncertainty, the draft lottery proceeding is a sign that the WNBA still expects to operate next season, and suggests optimism that the current CBA talks might reach a resolution in time.

What’s Next — And What to Watch For

• With the CBA deadline now January 9, both sides have roughly six weeks to finalize a deal ahead of free agency, expansion logistics, and the 2026 season ramp-up.

• Key issues remain: long-term revenue sharing, salary-growth structure, and fringe/bench‐player pay. If players feel the proposals don’t match their leverage, especially given the league’s growing popularity, tensions could flare again.

• Meanwhile, with the draft lottery done and expansion teams coming (and likely more interest from markets boosted by recent WNBA growth), there’s pressure on the league to finalize terms soon as expansion drafts, free agency, and long-term planning cannot be locked indefinitely.

In short: the WNBA avoided a lockout (for now), but the season ahead still depends heavily on whether both sides can close the deal.

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