“We are opting out.” That’s exactly what the WNBA Players Association said right at the face of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, or CBA, which is what the league calls it. And that is exactly where things stand after seven years. Yes, the above quote was from 2018, but this year, in 2025, the women’s basketball league is heading towards yet another transformational venture. But do not be too excited just now!

The WNBA players’ union made a big announcement in October last year. They’re opting out of their current CBA with the league. This news came just a day after the thrilling conclusion of the WNBA Finals, where the New York Liberty celebrated their first championship win. The timing of it? It couldn’t be a better opportunity for them as they seem to hit just the right nerve to secure the best possible deal for their futures while the buzz is still fresh.. While some might not have been surprised by this move, after all, the players did the same thing back in 2018. And this time, the WNBA’s motive seems crystal clear on what they want and how they want.

Let’s break down all the nuances of the much sought-after CBA rules and where they stand in 2025.

What are the reasons the WNBA hasn’t adopted new CBA rules yet?

While the WNBA’s opting out of the CBA rules looks plain and simple, it is not. Adopting new CBA rules in the WNBA has hit some bumps in the road, and there are a few key reasons why. An important factor at play is how much the league has changed since the current agreement was forged back in January 2020. Women’s sports have gained significant momentum since then, especially as the world has navigated the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Nneka Ogwumike, the president of the players’ union, made a great point when she stated that staying in the old agreement is not something the league is looking forward to. “This is a defining moment, not just for the WNBA, but for all of us who believe in progress. The world has evolved since 2020, and we cannot afford to stand still. If we stay in the current agreement, we fall behind,” Ogwumike said in her statement last year. The players are keenly aware of their growing influence and popularity, and they want to make sure that their voices are heard, thanks to Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. They are players citing their rights for negotiations about pay, working conditions, and benefits that truly mirror the league’s vibrant evolution. So, the way forward is: Talk. Talk more with the union.

“Opting out isn’t just about bigger paychecks — it’s about claiming our rightful share of the business we’ve built, improving working conditions, and securing a future where the success we create benefits today’s players and the generations to come,” Ogwumike further added. Additionally, the WNBA’s latest mega media rights deal had only added fuel to the fire. The league has sold out a staggering $2.2 billion in media rights for over the next 11 years. Sounds mind-boggling, right? 

With the WNBA attracting more viewers and partnerships than ever, the players are rightfully asking for a fair share of the revenue generated from their hard work and star power. So, while it might feel like progress is taking a bit longer, the players are determined to take their time to secure an agreement that benefits not just them but future generations of WNBA players, too. So until the basics are resolved, a new deal seems to wait a little longer.

What new rules are WNBA Players asking for in the next CBA?

While the last time WNBA players went up against the CBA rules and made their valid demands, this time, the news is getting more recognition. Of course, the league has more fan following, more and more viewers are tuning in, and with that comes players’ demand for fair compensation. Their biggest ask? Rethinking the salary cap system.

Right now, teams operate under a strict hard cap of $1,463,200, which many players feel limits the way teams can spend on talent. By advocating for a soft cap or more flexible salary options, players hope to ensure that their pay truly reflects the hard work and value they bring to the league, especially as the league continues to grow. Doable? Well, not out of reach.

But it’s not just about money. The players are also focusing on their overall well-being. They want to see improvements in areas like pensions and support for players who are also juggling parenting responsibilities. The WNBA players are seeking all of this to build a professional environment that not only recognizes their achievements on the court but also supports them off of it. 

Another key area they want to address is the rules around prioritization, which require players to show up for training camps right on time, especially after playing overseas. Many players take advantage of opportunities abroad to boost their income during the off-season, so having more flexibility in this area could be a game-changer. 

This approach would not only make their lives easier but also encourage top talent to stick around in the WNBA. Overall, the players are looking for a more supportive and equitable landscape that aligns with the incredible growth and success the league has been experiencing. The union, in a press release, added, “transforming the current system, which imposes arbitrary and restrictive caps on the value and benefits players receive, by introducing an equity-based model that grows and evolves in step with the league’s business success.” Explanation? An economic model that aligns player compensation with the league’s revenue growth. This approach would ensure that players benefit proportionally from the WNBA’s increasing popularity and financial success. Pressure tactics?

When will the WNBA’s new CBA rules take effect?

The timeline for the WNBA’s new CBA rules is really shaping up to be an interesting journey for players. While the current CBA runs until October 31, 2025, this decision serves as a leapfrog for both the players and the league, as they are ready to dive into important negotiations for a new CBA. The players must officially finalize their exit by November 1, clearly eager to begin discussions about the future. Although the decision to opt out isn’t exactly out of the blue. There was a lot of chatter about the players wanting to push for better compensation and working conditions. 

With the current agreement lasting until late 2025, around October, we can expect both the league and the players to jump into negotiations over the next year. The goal will be to reach a new CBA that sets the stage for the 2026 season. And the major reason behind that would be that the $200 million-per-year media rights will begin in the next year, i.e., 2026.

When does the current WNBA CBA expire?

The current CBA between the WNBA players’ union and the league is set to expire in 2027. This agreement was initially established ahead of the 2020 season and has been a critical framework for player rights, compensation, and league operations since its inception. 

The union is showing off its clear intentions to realign business aspects of the league and address various player concerns. Despite the WNBPA’s decision to opt out, the current CBA remains in effect through the upcoming season. The union and the league have until November 1, 2025, to negotiate a new deal that could prevent any potential work stoppage after the 2025 campaign concludes. 

If both parties fail to reach a satisfactory agreement within this timeframe, the league may face the prospect of a lockout, which could disrupt the continuity of the WNBA and impact players and teams. Where do you see this heading? Do let us know!