Finally, here is an agreement between WNBA and WBPA, but this one may not be the one many expected or hoped for. The league and the players’ association criticized each other’s tactics in recent discussions, leaving the CBA negotiations in limbo.
Now, with the failure of the CBA discussions, WNBA stars unite in refusal to sign contracts. This was to protect their interests in the CBA discussions. On Monday, the league also agreed to hold the free agency movements and discussions until a new CBA agreement is in place.
WNBA-WNBPA Agreement On Free Agency Moratorium
The players’ association was not happy with the league’s approach to the CBA proposals and continuously condemned it. Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers even discussed compromises to finalize the deal. While both parties remain committed to their respective models, they are currently in a period of status quo, with the previous CBA still in effect.
This was a sign that the free agency talks were about to start, which usually begins on January 11. But to avoid any confusion under both the current and upcoming salary structures, the WNBA and WNBPA agreed on the free agency moratorium.
Per source, the WNBA and WNBPA have reached an agreement on the free agency moratorium. https://t.co/qMSpYFe63z
— Khristina Williams (@Khristina) January 12, 2026
Teams hopeful to sign their star players back or add players to their rosters will now have to wait. The expansion draft will follow, with teams unsure about their rosters, as only players under rookie contracts will still be on their books.
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As for the CBA, the players’ association is keeping it plain and simple for the league as they once again highlighted their demands and this time mentioned the points which are ‘non-negotiable’.
WNBA Players Putting Pressure On League Authorities
After nearly completing over one year (since the end of the 2024 season), the WNBA has been working on favorable terms to incorporate players’ demands. Now, with the third and final extension period expiring, the WNBPA put forward their terms, sharing a statement with the league.
The statement by the WNBPA reads, “They have remained committed to undervaluing player contributions, dismissing player concerns, and running out the clock. This agreement must include a salary system tied to a meaningful share of the revenue that would not exist without player labor, mandate professional working conditions, and require protections that honor the players who built this league and set the next generation up for success. Make no mistake. Pay equity is not optional and progress is long overdue,”
The WNBPAs latest statement re: CBA expiration pic.twitter.com/immuk5EZC6
— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) January 10, 2026
Now, it will be interesting to see what the league and players agree on next, given the ‘agreement’ on free agency.