The CBA discussions had March 10 as a deadline, with the WNBA and the players’ association exchanging their offers. But from the deadline date onward, both parties engaged in constant communication and held lengthy meetings for two consecutive days.
After the March 10 meeting, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert gave a positive update, noting that there is still work to do. Now, after the second-day meeting, the PA also gave the thumbs-up to the progress.
WNBA Players Happy With CBA Discussion Progress
Just before the CBA deadline, Caitlin Clark and Breanna Stewart spoke about having a direct meeting between WNBA and WNBPA representatives to expedite the discussion and close the deal. Fans can now see the urgency from both parties as the league and the PA exchanged round seven proposals within 28 hours of meetings spanning over two days.
Although there is no deal on the table yet, players are happy with the progress so far. WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike told reporters late Wednesday that players are “feeling movement” and added, “We want to play. We’ve heard that from the other side as well.”
The EC members who are attending bargaining in-person spoke with reporters just now.
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) March 12, 2026
“I think what we’re feeling is movement,” Nneka Ogwumike said.
Added: “We want to play. We’ve heard that from the other side as well. We need to see a more robust demonstration of that:”
According to the report, there is a significant rise in the offer with the salary cap moving up to $6.2 million, and player average salaries would also see a major increase, starting at $570,000 in year one and growing to $850,000 in year six.
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While both parties expressed interest in the 2026 season, they are also working toward starting it on May 8, the league’s earlier announced start date. Sports analyst Stephen A. Smith also warned the league of the side effects of CBA failure.
Analyst Stephen A Smith Warns WNBA About CBA Failure
Some fans labelled the WNBPA ‘greedy’ for their demands and reactions to the league’s offers. But players are still firm on their ground and want to key changes on the CBA terms. While fan support is divided, analyst Stephen A. Smith is firm in his view and warns the league about throwing away the golden opportunity.
On the First Take show, Smith said, “To Cathy Engelbert, the commissioner of the WNBA, to the WNBA, and to the WNBPA, the women’s union: Y’all better not F this up. Y’all better not F this up. All of your efforts are in danger of going right out the window if a season is interrupted.”
“As much work as y’all have put in, as wonderful and marvelous as you have been collectively as a league, the growth and the maturation that has taken place, you are in danger of messing it up,” the WNBA Analyst added.
The early completion of the CBA Deal would allow time for the franchises to work on the free agency signings, expansion drafts, and also the WNBA draft.