The WNBA stood still, with its fan base awaiting an update on the CBA discussions. Many even wondered, ‘What’s next for WNBA after the CBA extension deadline reached, and with no breakthrough in sight?’
But now there is a significant update from the players’ union this time, who propose an extension for the discussion.
Following the previous CBA discussion’s pattern, the WNBA and WNBPA enter their second extension period, looking to reach an agreement on each point or at least most points in the discussions.
WNBA Players Come Ahead With Six-Week Extension For CBA
The WNBA once again failed to convince the players’ association of its new proposals, including improved salary, revenue sharing, and enhanced rookie contract terms. But there were a few points that are becoming a roadblock for the confirmation of CBA.
ESPN insider exposes real reason players are furious with WNBA’s CBA proposal. Still, the result of all these was an extension over the extension, with WNBPA coming up with a new deadline this time, a six-week timeline from now, that’s January 15. The WNBPA statement reads, “We expect substantive movement from the league within this window.”
WNBPA proposes six-week extension on CBA negotiations.
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) December 1, 2025
"We expect substantive movement from the league within this window."
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According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, the players’ union initially discussed proposing only a 24-hour extension, but later went for a longer deadline. During the earlier extension,
Since the start of the 2025 season, the league has sent three major proposals, covering most of the players’ demands. However, the association denied all of them and responded each time with their firm demands, which were missing from the proposals.
At the same time, the players’ association showed a generous approach with an extended six-week period, which could be a strategic move by the WNBPA.
Six-Week Extension: A Trap For WNBA Or Genuine Efforts To Resolve Issues?
One of the interesting aspects of deadlines in CBA discussions is that they are extendable. Fans saw it last time, and in the current negotiations, also. WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike broke the silence on the 30-day CBA extension, stating that the association wanted to maintain urgency. However, extending the deadline even further contradicts her previous statement.
One interesting aspect of this 45-day period is the various possible actions surrounding women’s sport. First, the Project B signings, so far, there are nine signing announcements from the new league, while given their pace of signings, they could fill up the complete roster in these 45 days.
Secondly, the start of Unrivaled League season 2, which is on January 5, is coming between the CBA’s talks. Both these actions around the league would put pressure on the WNBA to raise its offers, putting the players in command of the situation.
On the other hand, it could be a genuine effort to allow the WNBA to come up with a proposal incorporating all players’ demands. As for the WNBA fans, they want to see the agreement go through; they might start losing interest, which might also impact the WNBA’s rising popularity.