After the stalled CBA discussion, fans might think that all the WNBA operations are working on the proposal to meet the players’ demands. Though there is no one special event that triggered the standoff, there are multiple factors involved in the WNBA-WNBPA stalemate.
Though the background work is still going on, there is some unexpected news coming out of the league’s office as the authorities are looking in other areas also.
WNBA Plans To Buy Back Stake In League
The WNBA is not only answerable to the players’ association. The NBA acts as a giant stakeholder, while there are multiple other shareholders in the league. After the pandemic, the league raised money by selling its 16% shares for $75 million back in 2022. The group of investors includes several WNBA owners, Pau Gasol, Condoleezza Rice, and Nike.
Those funds were for brand elevation, marketing, and the globalization of the WNBA, as per the league’s statement. Also, many other infrastructural works were carried out with the amount in hand. Now, after three complete seasons and an improved financial status, the league is looking to buy back those shares to have more ownership in the league. Front Office Sports’ reporter reported the news and shared it on social media.
The WNBA is exploring buying back the 16% stake sold for $75 mil in 2022, multiple sources told me.
— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) January 16, 2026
The deal—valuing the league at roughly $1 billion—was celebrated as a transformative measure. The WNBA has roughly quadrupled in value since. https://t.co/H2FhFoF5TY
While the league has not confirmed the buyback, sources close to the league mentioned that it’s still in the conceptual phase and needs a lot of work. Interestingly, this will account as an expense which will impact the CBA talks too.
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As for the other operations, the stalled negotiation and no further extension forced both parties to work normally in the status quo.
WNBA-WNBPA In Status Quo
The WNBPA opted out of the 2020 CBA in October 2025. The league and players’ association are now looking to set new terms, accommodating the demands. But after over two and a half months, and two extensions, they can’t find a suitable proposal, forcing them to operate in the Status Quo.
The WNBA’s CBA just expired. The big misunderstanding for casual fans is that the players are simply demanding more money. What they are really asking is for a more reasonable revenue split. Right now they receive just 9% of the pie, while other pro leagues sit near 50%. They are… pic.twitter.com/sFr7uEuhKJ
— Frank Michael Smith (@frankmikesmith) January 10, 2026
The state means the old terms apply while they negotiate a new deal, but they’ve also agreed to a free agency moratorium on league business, halting free agency and core designations to focus on talks.
Key disagreements remain on revenue sharing and benefits, with players wanting a bigger financial cut and the league cautious about sustainability, but both sides are negotiating in good faith, though a player strike or league lockout remains possible.