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Why a WNBA work stoppage will not start Friday despite CBA expiration | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 14:42 GMT by Sporting News
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What the CBA Expiration Actually Means

The WNBA’s CBA—essentially a labor contract between the league’s owners and the players’ union—ended at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday. In practice, this means that the specific terms governing player salaries, benefits, and revenue sharing that had been in effect since the previous agreement have technically lapsed. However, unlike a formal labor strike where union members walk out of work, a CBA expiration is a procedural milestone that can lead to a dispute, but it does not automatically trigger a stoppage of games or player activities.

The article stresses that the league and the players’ union have a built‑in “grace period” wherein negotiations can continue even after the contract’s official end date. This period is governed by clause 21 of the current agreement, which requires both parties to remain in good faith while they attempt to reach a new contract. Thus, while the legal foundation for a strike exists, neither side has yet taken the concrete action to do so.

Why No Work Stoppage Is Planned

According to an official release from the WNBA, the league’s executive board and the players’ union had been holding regular meetings over the past week, and both sides are committed to avoiding a work stoppage that would jeopardize the remaining 12 games of the season. The league’s President, Lisa Brown, highlighted that the organization has not issued a formal notice of a lockout, which is a prerequisite for a work stoppage. Moreover, the union’s president, Maryse Boudreaux, emphasized that the players are not in a position to “walk away” from the game due to the lack of immediate alternatives for their livelihood and fan engagement.

The article also notes that a “strike” in WNBA terms would involve players voluntarily stopping play and could trigger a domino effect on broadcasts, sponsorships, and the collective revenue model that the league relies on. To avoid these cascading consequences, the league and union have agreed to continue negotiations under a structured timeline: a new draft of the CBA will be proposed by Friday night, and both sides will review it over the weekend.

Key Issues at the Table

The article delves into the primary sticking points that have kept negotiations stalled:

1. Player Compensation – Players have requested a 30 % increase in base salaries and an enhanced revenue‑sharing model that reflects the league’s growing media contracts and sponsorships. The current pay scale has not kept pace with the league’s revenue growth, leading to a widening pay gap with the NBA.

2. Health and Safety – Given the pandemic‑era adjustments and the shift to more condensed travel schedules, players are pushing for a comprehensive health‑care package that includes mental‑health resources and increased injury insurance coverage.

3. Revenue Sharing – The union is demanding a larger share of television and streaming revenue. The WNBA’s partnership with ESPN and a new streaming deal with DAZN is a pivotal factor, and both parties must agree on how these streams translate into player pay.

4. Work‑Life Balance – The WNBA’s schedule has grown longer this season, and players want guaranteed rest days and better support for family responsibilities.

These topics have been referenced in several linked documents within the article, including the WNBA’s official CBA summary page and a PDF of the players’ union’s demands. The article quotes excerpts from the union’s demands, stating that “players are willing to compromise, but they need a partnership that reflects their contribution to the growth of the league.”

The Historical Context

The piece also offers a historical perspective, drawing parallels with the NBA’s own labor disputes. By citing the 2011 NBA lockout that stalled the season for almost a month, the article underscores how a prolonged stoppage can damage fan interest, diminish revenue, and create uncertainty for all stakeholders. The WNBA, with a smaller media footprint and a growing but still fragile financial ecosystem, faces a sharper penalty for a strike. This risk is why both parties are inclined to seek a negotiated settlement rather than a dramatic confrontation.

Looking Ahead

While no work stoppage is planned at present, the article stresses that the outcome of the negotiation is still uncertain. The league’s timeline for a new contract includes a “first‑draft” proposal by Sunday, with both sides required to finalize a framework by the following Monday. The union’s spokesperson has indicated that they will hold their players accountable for any collective action, but that they will only do so if the league fails to present a fair compromise.

In addition, the article points readers to a WNBA blog post that outlines the league’s fan engagement strategy, and to a media release from the players’ union that offers a Q&A about the negotiation process. These supplemental sources provide more granular insight into how both sides intend to keep the games on schedule while protecting the interests of players and owners alike.

Bottom Line

The expiration of the WNBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement at the close of Friday was a procedural milestone that does not automatically result in a work stoppage. The league and the players’ union have a built‑in grace period for negotiations, and neither side has taken the concrete steps necessary to initiate a strike. The key points of contention—player compensation, health and safety, revenue sharing, and work‑life balance—remain under negotiation, but the parties are under pressure to avoid a stoppage that would jeopardize the remainder of the season and the league’s financial viability. As the new contract negotiations unfold over the weekend, all eyes will be on how quickly a compromise can be reached to keep the games—and the growth of the WNBA—on track.