The WNBA has offered the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) a 30-day extension on the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations, sources confirmed to The Athletic on Tuesday. This comes as the league’s existing CBA is set to expire on Friday, October 31, 2025, and both sides have yet to reach an agreement on a new deal.

Extension Provides Time, But Not a Guarantee

WNBA senior advisor and legal counsel Erin D. Drake explained on The Athletic’s No Offseason podcast that an extension is “always on the table,” but is a strategic decision for players to consider. “The biggest benefit is certainty,” Drake said. “You know what the next period under that extension is going to look like… The drawbacks are that you have cemented this reality while negotiating and things remain the same.”

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert previously indicated the league’s willingness to consider an extension, emphasizing hope that a new CBA could still be finalized by the October 31 deadline. “I feel confident that we can get a deal done, but if not, I think we could do an extension,” Engelbert said.

A source familiar with negotiations suggested that the players would only consider an extension under favorable circumstances, which “do not yet exist.”

Revenue Share Remains Central Issue

The main sticking point in the WNBA CBA negotiations continues to be revenue sharing. The league has proposed a structure similar to the current system, featuring a fixed salary cap with additional revenue share if certain targets are met. Conversely, the WNBPA is pushing for a model that allows players to participate in all league revenue, not just a capped portion.

While both sides acknowledge that players are likely to see significant salary gains in a new CBA, the method for distributing revenue remains unresolved.

Tensions have escalated over the negotiation process itself. Last week, WNBPA executive director Terri Jackson accused the league of attempting “to run out the clock,” while the league countered that the union has spent more time “disseminating public disinformation.” According to the league, their latest proposal was submitted on October 1, with the WNBPA responding only on October 27.

Background on WNBA CBA and Negotiations

The current CBA was opted out by players on October 21, 2024, marking the start of a year-long negotiation process. The WNBPA has consistently sought greater financial participation and enhanced benefits for players, including expanded healthcare, travel accommodations, and increased offseason opportunities.

An extension could allow both parties to continue discussions without a hard deadline looming, potentially preventing work stoppages or disruptions to the upcoming season. However, both sides will need to navigate revenue-sharing disputes and ensure that player salaries and league growth are balanced equitably.

As the WNBA and WNBPA work toward a resolution, players, coaches, and fans alike are closely monitoring the situation, recognizing that the outcome will shape the future of women’s professional basketball in the United States.