The WNBA presented several proposals aimed at appeasing the WNBPA. Sadly, they received only blunt replies from the members, claiming that the offers fell far short of their expectations. Satou Sabally even taunted the league to ‘push it up’.
After that, the league increased the offer twice but failed to convince the WNBPA with their proposals. Now, the league has pushed its limits again and made some changes that might confuse many, one of which is a change to the schedule.
WNBA’s New Schedule Impacts NCAA’s March Madness
The CBA discussions primarily focused on players’ compensation, revenue sharing, and the salary cap for franchises. Interestingly, the league addressed all the points, as the breakdown of the new proposal shows a significant increase in every demand of the WNBPA. This was an expected change, but the unexpected change was the schedule.
According to the new offer, the WNBA proposes training camps starting from mid-March, which requires players to report to the league nearly a month earlier than the current schedule. More importantly, it would also disrupt the March Madness schedule and games, impacting the performances of eligible players.
WNBA’s recent CBA proposal also included:
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) December 2, 2025
– Removal of in-season team housing
– Lengthening season with training camp starting as early as mid-March
(per @AnnieCostabile)
Other concerns involve the time available for the rookies to prepare and adjust to the WNBA level, as they will have to report to training camp immediately after their NCAA matches. While the WNBA draft holds its importance, the iconic March Madness is also a fan-favourite tournament.
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Above all, there are questions over the reason for the change. Why did the league feel the urge to change the dates?
Possible Reason For The New Schedule For WNBA
The WNBA is not only facing CBA issues, but it is also monitoring the rival league’s progress and needs to act on it quickly. The Unrivalled, entering its second season, already has an extended schedule, getting closer and closer to the WNBA’s start date. Project B also proposed a schedule that highlights the same issues.
While this could be the one reason for the change, another one could be the addition of new teams and a stretched season. In 2025, the league added 52 games with just one franchise’s addition; the number might double with the addition of two new franchises in 2026. Satou Sabally slammed the WNBA scheduling in 2025, and this step would address her issue.
Or simply, the league is looking to provide more time for preparations for the sides. The real reason will become apparent once the final CBA is released and the league opens its schedule.