The WNBA has granted players a 30-day extension to further discuss a new collective bargaining agreement, as reported by two sources familiar with the decision on Tuesday. The existing agreement is due to expire on Friday, leading to escalating tensions as negotiations progress towards a fresh pact. The league is open to extending the deadline to facilitate more time for both parties to reach a significant deal, particularly in terms of player salaries.
In a similar situation in 2019, the previous CBA expired, leading to a 60-day extension before the current agreement was finalized in January 2020. The acceptance of this new extension by the players’ union remains uncertain. The offer of an extension was first reported by ESPN, with WNBPA senior adviser and legal counsel Erin D. Drake emphasizing the need for mutual agreement in reaching a deal beyond the impending deadline.
The league responded to suggestions of bad faith negotiations by affirming its commitment to constructive engagement in the bargaining process. Recent meetings between the sides, including one in New York earlier this month, indicate ongoing efforts to bridge the gap in demands. Players opted out of the existing CBA last year with hopes of securing improved revenue sharing, higher salaries, enhanced benefits, and a more flexible salary cap.
While the WNBA’s proposals have not met the players’ expectations so far, the exact disparity in salary terms remains unclear. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed the league’s shared interest in achieving a transformative agreement that includes substantial increases in salaries and benefits for players.