The WNBA and the players’ association, WNBPA, are in loggerheads over the latest collective bargaining agreement. After several deadlines, March 10 was decided to be the last one before the 2026 regular season began to be postponed. The two sides went for a 12-hour marathon meeting on the deadline day, and WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert revealed the points of discussion.
WNBA reporter Annie Costabile shared the update on X and wrote:
“WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert just spoke to reporters, more than 12 hours after negotiations began. Her tone was very balanced as she assessed where things stand:
“It’s complex. But we’re working towards a win, win deal like we’ve been saying, transformational deal for these players that balances all the things we’ve been trying to balance with continued investment by our owners, etc. So, we’re working hard towards that, and we still have work to do.”
The WNBA commissioner’s statement suggested that the negotiations will take some more time to be finalized, which means the start of the new season will probably be delayed a little. WNBPA’s executive committee member Breanna Stewart and player Kelsey Plum have warned the association of going on strike if the situation continues.
WNBA and WNBPA present counteroffers to each other
As things stand, the league has submitted its counteroffer to the association, allowing the first and second-team All-WNBA players on rookie contracts, like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, to be eligible to sign a max contract in their fourth year.
The WNBA has also added that such rookies won’t be eligible for the core designation by teams. The league also increased the Year 1 salary cap to $5.75 million, up from $1.5 million in 2025, an increase of over 280%.
Only time will tell how much longer the two sides will take to conclude the deal, but the assurance from the league commissioner might have relieved the players about the outcome of the negotiations.
READ MORE: Will WNBA Players Go on Strike? Major Talking Points Ahead of CBA Deadline Day
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