Even though the CBA discussions were going through a rough patch, the WNBA proceeded with the draft lottery, showing hope of securing a CBA deal in time. Now, even after nearly two and a half months from the actual CBA deadline date, nothing is clear on the CBA.
President Nneka Ogwumike made it clear that the WNBPA wants the 2026 season and a fair CBA after the strike vote. So, when January marks the period for free agency signings or contract extensions, fans expect to see some closure on roster spots. However, the players are reluctant to proceed with any contract.
WNBA Players Refuse To Sign Anything Until New CBA
The WNBA and WNBPA discussions are heating up, with the players’ association releasing an official statement that highlights its stance on the demands and deal.
Amid this faceoff, players have no issues with franchises and would be open to signing an extension or even switching teams in the free agency period. However, ESPN’s reporter confirms that the players feel any contract signed without a new CBA will fall under the old CBA terms and will unite in deciding against signing anything until a new CBA is on the table.
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
This would be a wise decision, as it would avoid any ambiguity regarding the contracts and terms. The franchises, however, would be eager to secure their star players as early as possible.
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Interestingly, this is not the first time players have shown their unity, as they made many key decisions together during the course of discussions. Using the T-shirts at the All-Star game or even agreeing to the extensions, the players’ association kept every player in the discussion and united. The President had special words for their unity, too.
Nneka Ogwumike is Happy With the WNBA Players’ Unity
Ogwumike leads the charge as WNBA players revolt over “disrespectful” CBA offers, but when it comes to making any decision, she always relies on her association members. Just before the CBA deadline, the WNBPA President was pleased with the players’ unity. They agreed on the strike option, with 98% of the players voting to give the right to association authorities. And till the third deadline day, they showed their unity, sticking together as a unit against the league.
Talking to ESPN, Ogwumike said, “I’m really proud of how professional, and really patient, we’ve been as a collective. But quite frankly, this is my third CBA that I’ve been a part of, so I feel like I’ve been a part of three different eras, and this is by far the most transformational era that we’ve been a part of.”
This Q&A from @katie_barnes3 with Nneka Ogwumike and Napheesa Collier is worth your time today:https://t.co/Li5bU98oTi
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) January 9, 2026
She added that their fight is not just about a paycheck or a headline or even about higher salaries. The fight is for the players.