The WNBA and its players are approaching a decisive moment that could reshape the future of the league.
After months of negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement, a fresh deadline in March now hangs over both sides. With roughly 80 percent of players set to become free agents, many structured their contracts to expire at the same time, expecting a landmark deal that reflects the league’s recent surge in popularity.
“80% of the league are free agents,” WNBA insider Ramona Shelburne said on The Rich Eisen Show. “Everyone timed their contracts. Everybody signed one-year deals, and everyone timed their contracts to coincide with this new CBA.”
For players such as Caitlin Clark and teams like the Indiana Fever, the delay creates uncertainty. Training camps, roster decisions, and expansion planning are all effectively paused until a new agreement is finalized.
Players push for a share of the league’s momentum
The players’ union is seeking a more equitable financial structure that mirrors the WNBA’s growth in attendance, media coverage, and sponsorship deals. Central to the dispute is revenue sharing and the overall salary cap.
The union has proposed that players receive around 27.5 percent of league revenue in the first year of the new deal, along with a significantly higher salary cap. From the players’ perspective, the request is not excessive but reflective of the league’s expanding footprint and increased visibility.
The WNBA has countered with proposals that include guaranteed housing, enhanced retirement contributions, upgraded facilities, and continued charter travel. While those measures represent progress, many players believe the core issue remains unresolved: fair compensation tied to the value they are generating.
With the March deadline fast approaching, the stakes are clear. If no agreement is reached, the 2026 season could face disruption.
For stars like Caitlin Clark and her peers, this negotiation is about more than contracts. It is about ensuring the next era of the WNBA is built on a foundation that properly rewards the athletes driving its rise.
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