The WNBA and its players’ association remain deadlocked in collective bargaining agreement negotiations, with the January 9 deadline passing without a deal and players now preparing contingency plans amid fears of a lockout, as recent reports highlight ongoing tensions and potential fallout.
Negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement between the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association have reached a critical impasse following the expiration of the previous CBA on January 9, 2026. Despite multiple extensions and continued discussions, no agreement was reached, raising the possibility of a work stoppage that could disrupt the upcoming season. This stalemate occurs amid unprecedented growth in women’s basketball, driven by increased popularity, media deals, and star power, yet players argue their share of revenues remains inadequate. The lack of progress has fueled player frustration and public demonstrations, underscoring the high stakes for both sides as the 2026 season approaches.
The roots of the current conflict trace back to several pivotal developments over recent years. In January 2020, a landmark CBA was celebrated as groundbreaking, delivering salary increases and improved conditions, but players soon sought further enhancements as the sport’s profile soared. Issues like charter flights, initially restricted over competitive balance concerns, became a flashpoint, exemplified by the New York Liberty’s fines in 2022 for violating league rules. The league’s expansion, including new teams in Golden State, Toronto, and Portland, along with a massive $2.2 billion media rights deal in 2024, highlighted the WNBA’s rising value, yet players felt their compensation did not reflect this growth.
Player activism has been a consistent theme, from social justice initiatives during the 2020 bubble season to public protests like the ‘Pay Us What You Owe Us’ T-shirts worn at the 2025 All-Star Game. Tensions escalated in September 2025 when star forward Napheesa Collier publicly criticized league commissioner Cathy Engelbert, accusing her of negligence and making dismissive remarks about players’ gratitude. Engelbert denied the allegations, but the public rift deepened mistrust between the parties, complicating negotiations and highlighting leadership challenges within the league.
Recent reports on January 17, 2026, reveal that players are actively planning for a potential lockout. New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud pointed to Unrivaled, a player-owned 3-on-3 league co-founded by Collier and Breanna Stewart, as a viable backup plan. Unrivaled provides equity stakes to players and has state-of-the-art facilities in Miami that could serve as training grounds during a work stoppage. This contingency addresses concerns about loss of access to team resources and injury rehabilitation, lessons learned from past lockouts in other sports like the NFL.
The emergence of alternative leagues such as Project B, which offers higher salaries and international play, adds pressure on the WNBA to improve its offer. Cloud welcomed this competition, noting that it forces the WNBA to ‘stand on business’ or risk losing top talent to rivals. Unrivaled and Project B represent new avenues for players, empowering them with leverage in negotiations and challenging the WNBA’s dominance in elite women’s basketball. These developments signal a shifting landscape where players have more options, potentially reshaping the future of the sport.
Despite the impasse, both sides express a desire to reach a deal. The WNBA has stated its priority is increasing player salaries and enhancing the player experience, while the players’ union emphasizes the need for a fair share of the league’s growing revenues. However, the lack of progress in recent weeks has led to pessimism, with players like Sophie Cunningham describing the situation as ‘dumb’ in podcast interviews, indicating deep frustration with the negotiation process. Weekly updates from the union have yielded little optimism, with players feeling that the league is not engaging seriously at the table.
Looking ahead, the clock is ticking with the 2026 season scheduled to begin in May. A resolution is crucial to maintain the momentum from recent successes, including record viewership and attendance driven by stars like Caitlin Clark. If a lockout occurs, it could stall this progress and push players toward other opportunities, potentially altering the trajectory of professional women’s basketball. The players’ preparedness with backup plans signals their resolve, making the coming weeks pivotal for the future of the WNBA and its role in the evolving sports ecosystem.
