While the CBA discussions looked like a never-ending process, the WNBA suddenly dropped March 10 as the deadline for the CBA Agreement. Interestingly, the league handed its latest proposal a few days back, leaving the players’ union little time to react.
Reigning WNBA Champion Kiah Stokes accused the WNBA of refusing good-faith negotiations in CBA talks for hurrying the response. But looking at the 2026 season schedule, both parties are now moving to resolve their differences. WNBPA, though, has to consider the opinions of many players and will now undergo another voting process.
WNBA Players Union To Conduct Survey On CBA Proposal
Sources close to the WNBPA told AP that leaders of the WNBA players’ union met with players Tuesday night and will send a survey to their members to gather feedback on the league’s latest contract proposal.
The league conducted a similar survey in December, and WNBA players overwhelmingly authorized the strike option. Also, top player agents are ready to help the Union to conduct the survey as they seek “transparency and coordinated communication rather than individual conversations. At this stage of negotiations, with time being of the essence, alignment and shared information will best serve the players and the Union.”
The WNBA is in its 17th month of negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) February 26, 2026
The league told teams and players on Monday that if a handshake agreement is not in place by March 10, the 2026 schedule will be impacted. pic.twitter.com/QQTuGM2xPd
The players and agents are now working together to better understand the CBA proposal and help them make informed decisions. If the league and PA reach an agreement by March 10 after a positive response from the survey, the paperwork will take three more weeks, which leaves the entire April for the draft, expansion draft, and free agency signings.
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Training camps would open in April to make May 8 a feasible date for the start of the 2026 season.
Rift Within WNBA Players Association Could Impact Decision
The players’ association communicated every situation with the members and sent weekly e-mailers over the progress, as Sophie Cunningham pointed out on her podcast. This kept their bond tight and unity until ESPN reports suggested otherwise.
As per the report, there are two thought processes within the committee. One group is looking to keep the pressure on the league and sees an opportunity to fundamentally alter the league’s revenue-sharing model.
Other sees the bigger picture and add that there are still some matters on the agenda. While commercials are one of the deciding factors on CBA finalization, they give importance to other perks, too.