WNBA Players Reportedly ‘Bracing’ For Work Stoppage Ahead of CBA Negotiations

The 2026 WNBA season is reportedly in a precarious position.

According to Madeline Kenney of the New York Post, “WNBA players are ‘bracing’ for a work stoppage if the pace of talks doesn’t ramp up exponentially in the near future.”

The collective bargaining agreement between the league and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association expires after the ongoing 2025 campaign, and the Oct. 31 deadline is looming at this point. 

However, deadlines can sometimes make deals, and Kenney noted players, union executives and league officials will meet in Indianapolis on Thursday in a development that could be “a pivotal point in the negotiating process.”

The entire league will be focused on Indianapolis this weekend with the All Star Game on Saturday and the Three-Point Contest and Skills Competition on Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Perhaps the upcoming meeting can change the tenor of the situation, as Kenney noted negotiations “have been lagging up to this point” with a labor stoppage remaining a strong possibility if things don’t change.

The situation is looming over a critical moment in WNBA history. The Golden State Valkyries started play this season as the newest expansion franchise, while the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire will start in 2026. What’s more, the league will expand to Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia in the coming years.

The Cleveland expansion team is scheduled to begin play in 2028, the Detroit one is scheduled to play in 2029 and the Philadelphia one is scheduled to play in 2030.

What’s more, the league shattered attendance and viewership records last year as a rookie class that included headline names in Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese joined established stars such as A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier and others. It seemed to set the stage for continued growth, but a work stoppage could slow that momentum.

But continued expansion and record-setting ratings also mean issues to work through such as revenue sharing, roster spots and more. And doing so during an ongoing season presents scheduling challenges for negotiations.

Earlier this month, the Phoenix Mercury’s Satou Sabally, who is a WNBPA player representative, said the WNBA’s proposal it sent to the union was a “slap in the face,” per Colin Salao of Front Office Sports.

Salao noted Indiana Fever players Sophie Cunningham and Sydney Colson also read a prepared statement ahead of a nationally televised game.

“As the league grows, it’s time for the CBA that reflects our true value,” Cunningham said. “We are fighting for a fair share of business that we built.”

At this point, there doesn’t seem to be a quick solution on the horizon.