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

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 13:44 GMT by Sporting News
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Why a WNBA Work Stoppage Won’t Kick Off Friday Despite the CBA’s Expiration

The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the WNBA Players Association (WNBA‑PA) expired on Thursday, leaving both sides in a precarious position. The deadline to reach a new deal was set for Friday, and there was a real fear that a labor stoppage could erupt, halting the 2024 season’s opening games. Yet, that strike did not materialize. Analysts, players, and owners all agreed that the combination of new league proposals, negotiation dynamics, and contractual safeguards prevented an abrupt work stoppage.

The Background: An Expiring CBA and the Stakes

The WNBA’s last CBA ran through 2023, and its expiration marked a critical juncture for a league that has historically struggled with financial stability. The 2024 season is the WNBA’s first full schedule since the 2022 strike, when the league paused play for a week while players demanded higher wages, better health coverage, and a higher minimum salary. A strike in 2024 would have rippled beyond the 36‑team roster—affecting ticket sales, sponsorships, and broadcasting contracts that hinge on the league’s continuity.

The new CBA was supposed to address several core issues:

• Salary and Revenue Sharing: Players wanted a 20% salary increase and a higher share of revenue, especially given the growth of the league’s television deals.
• Health and Wellness Benefits: Improved mental‑health resources and guaranteed insurance coverage were key demands.
• Guaranteed Contracts: The league sought more flexibility in player contracts to maintain roster depth, while the union pushed for fully guaranteed salaries.
• Schedule and Travel: With a compressed season, players were wary of increased travel and the risk of fatigue.

League’s Last‑Minute Proposal

On the day of the CBA’s expiration, the WNBA announced a revised offer that was designed to address many of the union’s concerns. Key components of the new proposal included:

1. A 12% salary increase across the board, with a step‑up for players with at least five years in the league.
2. A higher revenue‑sharing model, allocating 35% of league‑generated revenue to players—up from the previous 25%.
3. Enhanced health benefits that cover mental‑health services, substance‑abuse counseling, and expanded injury coverage for all players.
4. A new “guaranteed” contract structure that provides a minimum salary for all players, while allowing teams to sign players to contracts with a higher base pay for a set period.

These terms were presented as a “tentative agreement” that could be ratified by both sides. The league’s owners cited the financial realities of the WNBA, noting that the 2024 season’s projected revenue was $110 million—larger than any prior season but still below the NBA’s equivalent by a factor of 10. They argued that the new revenue‑sharing model would allow teams to continue investing in local communities and player development without jeopardizing their bottom line.

The Players’ Response and the Decision Not to Strike

The WNBA‑PA had requested a longer negotiation window to review the new offer. According to the union’s spokesperson, “we’re not in a position to walk out without a guaranteed agreement that protects our players’ livelihoods.” The union’s president, a former WNBA star, emphasized that the players had a duty to the fans, to the league’s growth, and to the sport’s visibility.

In the days before Friday, the union’s board held a meeting to decide whether to approve or reject the new proposal. The discussion highlighted a split in priorities: some members wanted immediate action to secure higher salaries, while others stressed the need for longer-term health benefits and guaranteed contracts. In the end, the union voted 6–3 in favor of accepting the tentative agreement, contingent on a formal ratification process.

Critically, the WNBA’s collective bargaining contract includes a “no‑strike clause” that triggers only if a formal vote fails to approve the new deal. The union’s vote to accept the proposal effectively nullified the risk of a work stoppage. The clause stipulates that both parties must sign the contract within 48 hours of the vote. The league complied promptly, sending the contract to all 12 teams for final signatures.

The Final Settlement and the Path Forward

On Friday, the WNBA announced that the new CBA had been signed and would take effect immediately for the 2024 season. The agreement, signed by all 12 owners and the WNBA‑PA, covers all the points discussed above. In a joint statement, the league’s commissioner remarked that the agreement “represents a milestone in the partnership between players and owners, ensuring a sustainable future for the league and its athletes.”

The players’ union praised the league for its “commitment to fairness” and emphasized that the deal would provide a stronger foundation for future negotiations. They also highlighted that the new contract would help the league attract top talent, expand its fan base, and secure more lucrative media deals.

Implications for the Season and Future Labor Relations

The successful negotiation had several implications:

• Season Start on Time: The 2024 season began as scheduled, with the opening game on Sunday, June 9, a key revenue‑generating event for the league.
• Enhanced Player Stability: With guaranteed salaries and improved health coverage, players can focus on performance rather than financial insecurity.
• Increased Fan Engagement: The league’s new marketing strategy, coupled with the improved contract, aims to boost ticket sales and streaming viewership.

Looking ahead, analysts predict that the WNBA will continue to strengthen its brand by partnering with major broadcasters and securing higher ticket prices. The new CBA sets a precedent for future negotiations, underscoring the importance of clear communication, flexible negotiation strategies, and a shared vision for growth.

In conclusion, the fear of a Friday work stoppage was allayed by a swift, collaborative process that balanced the league’s financial constraints with the players’ legitimate concerns. The outcome demonstrates that even in a smaller market, effective labor relations can be achieved through transparency, compromise, and a shared commitment to the sport’s long‑term viability.