Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

WNBA and WNBPA Headed Towards Potential Lockout as New CBA Seems Unlikely Before October 31 Deadline

The WNBPA might head towards a potential lockout in case the league fails to reach new CBA deadline.

Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The WNBPA might head towards a potential lockout if the WNBA fails to agree for the new Collective Bargaining Agreement by the October 31 deadline. The sides could try and extend the deadline to make a deal but there is a risk of a work stoppage, bringing the league to a halt. Women’s National Basketball Players Association executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson told Front Office Sports that the union feels there is a lack of urgency from the league.

She said, “The players are working diligently to achieve a transformational CBA that builds on the growth, momentum, and positive news surrounding women’s sports and the W. As we approach the 60-day mark, the league’s lack of urgency leaves players wondering if it is focused on making this work or just running out the clock. Fans do not want that. They are with the players in demanding a new standard for the W.”

Notably, the WNBA players have been demanding a better contract since the league has been growing steadily. Players such as Caitlin Clark have drawn significant viewership, breaking all the previous records. As a result, the WNBA will get $200 million a season as a part of its 11-year media rights deal worth $2.2 billion that the NBA signed with Disney, Amazon and NBCUniversal.

This is not it, but the league will also receive expansion fees from five franchises including Portland, Toronto, Detroit, Cleveland, and Philadelphia, which are set to be a part of the WNBA from 2026 and 2030. There have been many incidents where players have been vocal about their demands. Recently, during the WNBA All-Star Game, they were seen wearing black shirts saying, “Pay Us What You Owe Us,” in regards to the new CBA talks.

WNBA players making a statement at the All-Star game:

“Pay us what you owe us.” pic.twitter.com/AL1uf7lfEB
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 20, 2025

WNBA Addresses Lockout Threats in Official Statement

The WNBA players union says the league is "running out the clock" on CBA negotiations ahead of the Oct. 31 deadline.

A WNBA spokesperson told FOS:

“We have been clear with the WNBPA… Our number one priority is to get a new collective bargaining agreement completed."
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) August 26, 2025

The WNBA responded to the WNBPA’s statement and said, “We have been clear with the WNBPA but so there is no doubt—our number one priority is to get a new collective bargaining agreement completed that addresses the players’ priorities while also supporting the long-term growth and success of the league and teams.”

The statement further read, “We have been meeting with the union throughout the summer and will continue to meet until this gets done, with additional sessions already scheduled through the rest of the season.”

Notably, the payscale disparity between the NBA and the WNBA is significant. Talking about the NBA, players get almost half of the league’s basketball related income, and the salary cap rises with the revenue of the league. It rose a max 10% ahead of the 2025-26 season, and on the other hand, it is fixed at a 3% increase in the WNBA.

WNBA

WNBPA

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.