The WNBPA has announced their decision to opt out of the current CBA, which was originally set to expire after the 2027 season.
By choosing to opt out before the Nov. 1 deadline, the current CBA will now expire on Oct. 31, 2025, giving the union and league just over one year to negotiate a new agreement. If a new agreement is not reached, a work stoppage could occur ahead of the 2026 season.
The WNBPA is opting out in order to secure “a business model that reflects their true value, encompassing higher salaries, enhanced professional working conditions, expanded health benefits, and crucial investment needed for long-term growth.”
Nneka Ogwumike, WNBPA president, further explained the union’s goals, stating:
This is a defining moment, not just for the WNBA, but for all of us who believe in progress. The world has evolved since 2020, and we cannot afford to stand still. If we stay in the current agreement, we fall behind.
She continued:
Opting out isn’t just about bigger paychecks—it’s about claiming our rightful share of the business we’ve built, improving working conditions, and securing a future where the success we create benefits today’s players and the generations to come. We’re not just asking for a CBA that reflects our value; we’re demanding it, because we’ve earned it.
WNBPA Executive Director Teri Jackson echoed Ogwumike, stating, “As a union, we serve at the behest of the players, and for them, this is all about business—their business.” Former WNBA player and ESPN analyst (and sister of Nneka) Chiney Ogwumike mentioned that players are willing to negotiate for however long is required, even if that comes with a work stoppage.
In response to the WNBPA’s decision, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert released the following statement:
With the historic 2024 WNBA season now in the books, we look forward to working together with the players and the WNBPA on a new CBA that is fair for all and lays the foundation for growth and success for years to come.
