Dec. 1 (UPI) — The WNBA and WNBA Players Association agreed to extend the current collective bargaining agreement through Jan. 9 as talks for a new deal continue.
The league announced the extension Sunday, which marked the end of a 30-day extension to which the parties had agreed.
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“The WNBA and WNBPA have agreed to extend the current CBA … with either party having the option to terminate the extension with 48 hours’ advance notice,” the league said. “The WNBA and WNBPA are continuing to work toward a new agreement.”
Free agency, which typically starts in January, and the expansion draft are unlikely to happen until ratification of an agreement.
Pay structure and revenue sharing are among the contentious points in negotiations for the new agreement. NBA and NHL players receive 50% of their league revenues. NFL players receive 48% of league revenue. WNBA players receive about 9% of revenue sharing.
Players also prioritize professional facilities and essential resources for all teams and retirement and pregnancy protection.
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“Remember — the last CBA was negotiated in January of 2020, which came after a 30-day extension and was groundbreaking,” WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike wrote in an October post on Facebook.
“The players are more focused, united, and determined than ever to reach an agreement that reflects their value and undeniable impact on the league.”
The 2026 WNBA Draft is to be held April 13. The 2026 regular season is scheduled to start in May.
