“Pay us what you owe us.” For far too long, WNBA halls have echoed with that rallying cry. Players have consistently called for just compensation, but their requests were largely ignored. But not anymore. The WNBA and the WNBPA (players’ union) are at a critical juncture as of November 30, 2025. Because tonight, that extension officially ends.

And according to Ben Pickman of The Athletic, “A resolution about continued negotiations is expected by Sunday’s deadline — after one more meeting between the parties. If the sides elect not to reach another extension, a work stoppage would still not take effect immediately.”

The previous collective bargaining agreement expired at the end of October. Then the league offered a 30-day extension, which the union accepted, but with one condition: they could end it with just 48 hours’ notice. But…that countdown is over now. Both sides are back at the table, but they are far apart. But what are the players really asking for?

The WNBPA wants revenue sharing. Instead of fixed salaries, they want their pay to grow as the league grows. Right now, players receive less than 10% of league revenue, while most men’s leagues give players about half. The union says that it needs to change. However, earlier this month, the league offered: minimum salaries over $220,000, average salaries above $460,000, and potential top salaries over $1.1 million.

It appears gigantic on paper, but the figures have revenue-sharing bonuses that have never been paid, and naturally, it was not accepted. Under the leadership of Nneka Ogwumike, the players claim that the system continues to base salaries on predetermined limits instead of real revenues. They say, without a true system of revenue sharing, salaries will be held artificially low, no matter how big the numbers look. Will they cede their demand? Here’s what can happen if the two sides do not reach an agreement.

“The sides would instead enter a period of status quo, which would keep working conditions the same and continue to allow players to use team facilities and receive medical benefits. However, at any point, the players’ union or league could announce a work stoppage. They can also continue negotiating in the status quo period. They could still agree to another extension by Sunday’s deadline.”

The league previously said in a statement that it has proposed “significant guaranteed salary cap increases and substantial uncapped revenue sharing that enables player salaries to grow as the league’s business grows.” But the union calls it a “lipstick on a pig,” saying the plan undervalues the players and doesn’t change the fundamental system.

Now, the clock is ticking. With the 30-day extension over, what happens if the WNBA and the players don’t reach a new agreement?

How a CBA delay could disrupt the WNBA’s 2026 season

The 29-year history of the WNBA has never experienced a complete lockout. The league has never been able to interrupt the play, but there have been some minor delays that have occurred, such as the 2003 draft and preseason. But what if again WNBA players didn’t reach the agreement?

The first scenario would be a work stoppage. If the players trigger it, that’s a strike. They would not go to team practice or even interact with employees until a deal is made; thus, the 2026 season may be postponed.

But on the other hand, the calendar does not compel one to make a choice immediately. There is no major game or championship within the next few days, like the NCAA women’s tournament, which would require a quick decision, as is the case with other leagues. However, the offseason is not as simple as it seems.

The WNBA is growing by including the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire. The existing teams, such as the Washington Mystics, should make decisions on which players to cover during the expansion draft. So, yes, the coming few days will be decisive. This implies that there might be expansion problems and possible free agency breakers within the next few weeks.

Each offer, declaration, or decline may change the tide. The WNBA could avoid its first major disruption, or the 2026 season could be delayed before it even begins. At least in the present case, another extension appears feasible. However, with the WNBA draft lottery scheduled on Sunday, the league now has to deal with the expansion draft, free agency, and the new draft.