With 18 months since the WNBA and WNBPA began discussing the CBA, the agreement has made very little progress. There had been proposals, counterproposals, and allegations from both sides as the parties stood by their positions from the start.
Looking at the pace of CBA discussions, players like Sophie Cunningham even raised questions over the possibility of the season start. The league, though, took a bold step and announced March 10 as the final date to lock the terms, which would allow them to wrap up the pending processes in time.
But with just over 24 hours left to close out the deal, how will this delay impact the season?
Concerning Signs for the 2026 WNBA Season Following CBA Standoff
There is no official announcement about the extension of the ‘deadline’ or even the postponement of the 2026 season. The league is keeping May 8 as the tip-off for the season. But reality might hit them hard with the standoff causing much trouble in the further processes.
One of the biggest stumbling blocks is the Free Agency signing, with 80% of the players without a contract, and 100% of the franchises without a complete roster. Especially expansion teams like Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo are in limbo as the CBA deadlock freezes entire roster build for the upcoming season. The league and players’ union agreed to sign any new contract on new CBA terms, which are not yet on paper.
The WNBA released its game schedule for the 2026 regular season which will begin on Friday, May 8.
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 21, 2026
There is no update on a new CBA, as the leagues' current deal expired on Jan. 9. pic.twitter.com/gc2UugbAP5
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With the tight schedule, especially the FIBA World Cup in September, the league will have to push for the deal at the earliest. But ratification can take time after a handshake deal, which is why officials have been stressing urgency now rather than later.
As per the latest update, WNBPA handed a CBA counterproposal, with Breanna Stewart and Caitlin Clark sharing their ideas to finalize the deal.
Breanna Stewart Gives 50% Chances To Meet Start Of The Season
The Liberty forward is involved in the CBA process right from the start and holds a Vice Presidential position in the WNBPA. While she is one of the influential stars on the committee, even she is not very confident about meeting the deadlines and starting the season on time.
In her recent interview with the New York Post, Stewie said, “Honestly, I’m 50/50. I just think it’ll be tight. And hopefully, we do come to a resolution sooner than later.”
Breanna Stewart '50/50' on whether WNBA season will start without delay as soft deadline nears https://t.co/OBS16f64xx pic.twitter.com/q7N6VOtDzx
— New York Post (@nypost) March 8, 2026
The player is already set to play for Fenerbahce, looking to win her third EuroCup championship, which coincides with the current start date of the 2026 season.