- The WNBA deadline to avoid a lockout is Oct. 31.
- Depending on the length of a lockout, the 2026 WNBA season could be postponed or cancelled.
- WNBA players are hoping to receive higher salaries, improved travelling conditions, and enhanced training facilities.
The WNBA is approaching a critical deadline that could shape the future of the league.
The league and the players’ union are negotiating key issues surrounding salaries and participation in other leagues during the offseason.
With that said, let’s take a look at the latest news and rumours surrounding the WNBA lockout.
WNBA Lockout: Deadlines, Facts, Rumours, & Latest News
What’s Going on With the WNBA Lockout?
A lot is going on with the WNBA lockout.
There is considerable concern that the players’ union and the league will not reach an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement by the deadline, potentially leading to a lockout.
WNBA players are hoping to receive higher salaries, better benefits, improved travelling conditions, enhanced training facilities, and a softer salary cap.
They’d also like to see the league improve its scheduling and open up more roster spaces for teams.
In terms of salary, some WNBA athletes have shared that they want to receive the same percentage of revenue as their NBA counterparts.
WNBA players earn just 9.3% of league revenue compared to NBA players making between 49% and 51% of basketball-related income, per MarketWatch.
Gabby Williams speculated that the league wants its players to stop participating in Unrivaled and Athletes Unlimited, which are both U.S.-based leagues that allow hoopers around the W to stay in shape during the offseason while earning more money.
Some competitors also participate overseas in the offseason to supplement their incomes.
While the WNBA hasn’t made a public statement regarding a player’s right to compete elsewhere, it makes sense that the league wants its brightest stars with short WNBA MVP odds healthy and ready for the full regular season.
What Happens if WNBA Doesn’t Reach a New Agreement?
If the WNBA doesn’t reach a new agreement, the league and the players’ union could opt to extend the CBA past its deadline for a certain amount of time.
The WNBA and the players’ union extended the CBA deadline by 60 days on Oct. 29, 2019, pushing it to Dec. 31 before ultimately reaching an agreement on Jan. 14, 2020.
The players could also go on strike, which may result in a lockout.
During a lockout, athletes would be unable to use team facilities, and there’d be no draft lottery, no free agency, no trades, no 2026 WNBA Draft, or any business operations until a new CBA is in place.
A lockout could also jeopardize the chances of the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire joining the league next season, as current expansion draft rules are in place with the current CBA
Depending on the length of a lockout, the 2026 WNBA season could be postponed or, at worst, cancelled.
What’s the WNBA Deadline to Avoid a Lockout?
The WNBA deadline to avoid a lockout is Oct. 31.
Has the WNBA Ever Had a Lockout?
No, the WNBA has never had a lockout.
In 2003, the draft and preseason games were delayed, but no regular-season contests were affected since the two sides reached an agreement just before the April 18 deadline.
Does the WNBA Lose $12 Million a Year?
The WNBA does not lose exactly $12 million a year.
However, the league has never made a profit, generally losing $10 million per year.
The WNBA lost $40 million in 2024, despite generating more than $200 million in revenue.
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