The contentious collective bargaining agreement negotiations with the WNBA continue; at times, it feels like there is no end in sight as both sides remain entrenched in their positions. With the already extended January 9th deadline looming large, the latest development is concerning news for hopes of a resolution by then.
This is widely regarded as the most important CBA in the league’s history. We have seen the WNBA’s All-Stars unite in a T-shirt protest during last season’s All-Star game, an impressive show of unity to raise awareness of fair pay for their athletes. Several of the league’s stars have spoken publicly against WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert while her team has issued a new proposal. Still, they have not reached an agreement, as the WNBA’s proposals are being rejected, and they may now take strike action.
Here’s the latest on the negotiations below.
Huge Update on WNBA’s CBA Negotiations and Possible Strike Action
In a concerning update on the WNBA’s CBA negotiations, the players’ union held a vote with 98% authorizing the WNBPA executive committee to call a strike when necessary. They then released a blistering statement that took the WNBA to task.
The statement reads: “The players’ decision is an unavoidable response to the state of negotiations with the WNBA and its teams.”
NEW: The players union has authorized the WNBPA executive committee to call a strike when necessary.
“The players’ decision is an unavoidable response to the state of negotiations with the WNBA and its teams.” pic.twitter.com/ErfxY5bylM
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) December 18, 2025
The statement then described the WNBA’s approach as “Draconian”: “Time and again the players’ thoughtful and reasonable approach has been met by the WNBA with a resistance to change and a recommitment to the draconian provisions that have unfairly restricted players.” However, the statement made clear that this does not mean a strike will be enforced now or in the future.
Clearly, this appears to be a power play by the players’ association, using it as a bargaining chip to gain leverage in negotiations, at the risk of a damaging strike that could jeopardize the league’s future. We’ll see how this influences negotiations.
Reportedly, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has offered to help in the CBA negotiations if called upon or if he felt it necessary. “We’re available to do whatever is necessary to help get a deal done,” said the NBA’s commissioner.
ESPN’s Alexa Philippou reported the latest offer from the WNBA in negotiations: “The latest proposal includes an uncapped revenue-sharing model that would: Raise max salaries above $1.3 mil, growing to nearly $2.0 mil over the life of the deal
-raise average salaries above $530,000, growing to more than $770,000 over the life of the deal.”
Per source, the WNBA’s latest proposal includes an uncapped revenue-sharing model that would:
-raise max salaries above $1.3 mil, growing to nearly $2.0 mil over the life of the deal
-raise average salaries above $530,000, growing to more than $770,000 over the life of the deal— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) December 18, 2025
As of now, the players aren’t quite satisfied with that offer, despite it being a significant raise from last year’s max salary of $215-249k, as Bobby Marks reported for context.
It seems the WNBA is making genuine efforts to bridge the gap between the sides; however, negotiations are rumbling on. With Silver on board to help if called upon, as the players remain steadfast in their demands, this could go down to the wire on January 9th to avoid a strike.
