On Monday, the WNBPA announced their decision opt out of the current CBA, which was set to expire after the 2027 season.
Because the players elected to opt out before the Nov. 1 deadline, the current CBA now will expire on Oct. 31, 2025, giving the union and league just over one year to negotiate a new agreement. If a new agreement is not reached, a work stoppage could occur ahead of the 2026 season.
The WNBPA is opting out in hopes of securing “a business model that reflects their true value, encompassing higher salaries, enhanced professional working conditions, expanded health benefits, and crucial investment needed for long-term growth.”
Nneka Ogwumike, WNBPA president, elaborated on the union’s aims, asserting:
This is a defining moment, not just for the WNBA, but for all of us who believe in progress. The world has evolved since 2020, and we cannot afford to stand still. If we stay in the current agreement, we fall behind.
She continued:
Opting out isn’t just about bigger paychecks—it’s about claiming our rightful share of the business we’ve built, improving working conditions, and securing a future where the success we create benefits today’s players and the generations to come. We’re not just asking for a CBA that reflects our value; we’re…
