Fans might have forgotten that the players’ association opted out of the 2020 CBA deal at the end of the 2024 season, which concluded in October 2024. That much time (one year, three months) has passed since the league is still working on the old terms. Any further delay is raising tensions among the fans. Even players like Sophie Cunningham expressed uncertainty about the 2026 WNBA Season amid stalled CBA talks.
The sides disagree on many key points, such as revenue-sharing models, salary increases, housing, and free agency. This once again hints at more waiting time for the fans. Here is what might happen if the situation remains the same till the start of the season.
WNBA 2026 Season’s Possible Outcome With Stalled CBA
WNB and WNBPA had a meeting on Monday, February 2, where many expected to see a big step towards the conclusion of the discussions. Caitlin Clark also sent a stern warning to the league about the CBA and the delay. Sadly, the league was not ready with the concrete proposal, putting a huge question mark over the possible outcome of the meeting.
If the CBA is not in place by the end of February, players may call for a strike. The Association has the backing of 98% of the union, though they kept the option under wraps with a positive attitude towards the CBA discussions.
The WNBPA announced Thursday that its members have voted overwhelmingly to authorize calling a strike "when necessary" during the ongoing negotiations between the players association and the WNBA on a new collective bargaining agreement.
— ESPN (@espn) December 18, 2025
Read more: https://t.co/ct45v4R7CJ pic.twitter.com/6CEG6y5LQ0
More realistically, the expansion teams won’t have a single player, while the active franchises will also be operating with limited resources following the barring of free-agent signings. The WNBA draft might be in April, but the franchise owners and back offices would panic without players to work with.
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The situation gets even cliché with a report hinting at two different sets of opinions within the WNBPA. The difference of opinion might even prolong discussions and delay CBA confirmation.
Report Points Out Rift Within WNBA Players’ Association
The key aspect of the WNBPA’s strong position was its members’ unity throughout the process. For the first time, sources close to the association hint at division among the players, with two distinct thoughts circulating within the two groups.
One group is looking to keep the pressure on the league and sees an opportunity to fundamentally alter the league’s revenue-sharing model. Another group sees the bigger picture and adds that there are still some matters on the agenda.
Chile….
— Vanshay Murdock 🎥🎥 (@vanshaym) February 2, 2026
ESPN sources say a strong debate has emerged within the seven-member executive committee, which the WNBPA player body authorized in December to call a strike "when necessary." https://t.co/hlnOUSutbF pic.twitter.com/5Zet1KZA8Z
While the first group wants to keep the pressure, the other group inclines toward compromise on commercials, stating that the players have already gained significant ground. In all conditions, the fans are losing patience and probably the season, too.