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This offseason will not be a normal one for the WNBA.
The league and players’ union are currently trying to come to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), but a lockout seems imminent. Even when a new CBA gets agreed upon, nearly the entire league will be able to enter free agency. Did I also mention we have two expansion teams, and that means a pair of expansion drafts? And let’s not forget the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Even when the WNBA action is on pause, the drama surrounding the league never stops.
Before anything else, a new CBA is needed. The current CBA is set to expire on October 31. Unless a new CBA is agreed upon before that deadline, or an extension is agreed upon, fans should expect a lockout.
Now, some say the current tension between the players and the Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has created a situation where a lockout is now inevitable. However, even if Napheesa Collier hadn’t dropped her exit interview tirade against Englebert, a lockout was always the likeliest scenario. Why? For the same reason, most things end up being messy: money.
The WNBA and the players are still far apart on the dollar figures and what fair pay means.
With the WNBA having a long offseason, I don’t think any of the players will sweat about a November lockout if it means more money in 2026. So, fans should prepare for a period of time where the WNBA world comes to a complete stop.
The Fire and Tempo need players
Once the CBA is secured, the expansion drafts for the Portland Fire and Toronto Temple can happen.
While we don’t know how the expansion drafts will work out, given that we don’t have the CBA, last year’s Golden State Valkyries draft provides a good example to follow. For that draft, each team could protect up to six players from being selected, with the Valkyries permitted to pick one player from each team. With two expansion drafts, teams could lose a couple of players.
The WNBA is jam-packed with talent, as proven by the Valkyries building out a roster that was able to make the playoffs in their expansion season. With two teams coming in, it could be double trouble for everyone else. Teams could see their rosters getting decimated before free agency even happens.
There’s going to be a free agency frenzy
When free agency begins, we will see a record number of players who will be unrestricted free agents, making them eligible to sign with new teams.
The general sentiment, however, is that we won’t see much movement as players set themselves up for more pay, not a change in organizations. But, teams will have a chance to shake things up like never before. We could certainly see some historic player movement. Add in two new teams that will also be trying to acquire talent for their rosters, and this could be a very chaotic free agency market.
If franchises want to turn things around quickly, the 2026 WNBA free agency period will provide them the opportunity to do so.
There is a lot to look forward to regarding the WNBA offseason, but until the CBA gets signed, everything will be on hold. Hopefully, a lockout can be avoided. If not, then the ideal situation is for it to be temporary and not disrupt the 2026 season.
This is a pivotal moment for the players and the league. From the fan perspective, there will have to be some patience. While the chatter is sure to increase regarding CBA talks, tangible action will likely be a waiting game.
