WNBA stars reportedly won't sign contracts until new CBA deal is agreed

WNBA stars reportedly won’t sign contracts until new CBA deal is agreed

January 11, 2026

in WNBA

Reading Time: 3 mins read

rewrite this content and keep HTML tags (remove this from content : rewrite this content and keep HTML tags)

The deadline for the WNBA and the WNBPA to agree upon a new Collective Bargaining Agreement passed on January 9th. Both parties reportedly remain far apart in their expectations for a new deal. And the early repercussions are being felt, as stars reportedly won’t sign new contracts.

Normally, at this point in the offseason, free agency would begin, and players would be signing new contracts. Those stars in line for new extensions from existing teams would also be getting them around this time. However, ESPN’s Kendra Andrews revealed what the players’ stance on the situation is.

MORE: Napheesa Collier shares thoughts on WNBA collective bargaining negotiations during Unrivaled broadcast

Breanna Stewart said that while qualifying offers may be going out, there’s an understanding from all of the players that no one should sign anything because any contracts signed would fall under the current CBA numbers, not the ones they are fighting for in the current… https://t.co/emxZYc09JL

— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) January 11, 2026

“Breanna Stewart said that while qualifying offers may be going out, there’s an understanding from all of the players that no one should sign anything because any contracts signed would fall under the current CBA numbers, not the ones they are fighting for in the current negotiations,” Andrews wrote in a post on X.

A two-time MVP, Stewart has recently expressed her belief that a deal will get done soon. However, recent reports from Ramona Shelburne suggest that both parties remain far from a solution. The longer this saga drags on, the worse things will be for the W and its players.

WNBA players Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese sit courtside during the game between the Orlando Magic and the New York Knicks. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

A delay in the WNBA players’ signing new deals is just the beginning. A lockout has looked like a possibility for a while, and the probability of it happening continues to grow. A solution is needed, and quickly, otherwise the situation will only get worse.

NFL: Bold Predictions for the NFL Wild Card playoff games

CFB PLAYOFF: Indiana fans takeover Mercedes-Benz Stadium for Peach Bowl

CFB: NCAA makes shocking ruling on Ole Miss football star Trinidad Chambliss

GOLF: Brooks Koepka makes major decision about PGA Tour after LIV Golf exit

SPORTS MEDIA: NBC, Peacock reveal 2026 Sunday Night Baseball schedule

ENTERTAINMENT: Netflix new releases this week: January 5 to January 11, 2026

Source link