New York, December 01, 2025
The WNBA and its players’ union have agreed to extend their collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations by 40 days, ensuring the 2025 season will proceed without lockouts or work stoppages while both parties seek a comprehensive deal.
Negotiation Extension and Terms
This 40-day extension provides additional time beyond the previous deadline for the WNBA and its players’ union to finalize a new CBA. The agreement maintains the current CBA conditions throughout the extension period, preventing any immediate disruption to league operations or the upcoming season’s schedule.
Key Issues Under Discussion
The ongoing talks focus on critical aspects of player welfare and league economics. These include adjustments to player salaries such as base pay and supermax contracts, enhancements to healthcare and mental health services, and improvements in family planning benefits. Revenue-sharing formulas are also a core topic, aiming to determine players’ share of increasing league revenues. Additionally, the negotiations address off-season employment opportunities, including international play and endorsements, as well as working conditions related to travel logistics and facility standards.
Significance of the Extension
This negotiation extension highlights the continued advocacy by WNBA players for enhanced compensation and improved working conditions. It reflects a mutual commitment to labor peace in the context of rising league viewership and revenue growth. Importantly, the delay avoids disruptions that could impact fans, broadcasters, and stakeholders invested in the competitive season’s stability.
Context of Ongoing Dialogue
The agreement to prolong negotiations is part of an ongoing dialogue aimed at balancing the evolving demands of professional women’s basketball with operational stability. Both the WNBA and the players’ union have demonstrated willingness to negotiate in good faith, underscoring their intent to reach a mutually acceptable deal that supports long-term league development and player satisfaction.
As negotiations continue, the focus remains on securing a comprehensive CBA that addresses both economic and welfare considerations crucial to the WNBA’s growth trajectory and its positioning in professional sports. The additional time granted enables further deliberations to achieve these goals without compromising the league’s 2025 season operations.