With the deadline to extend the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) or reach an agreement set to expire at midnight ET, the silence between the WNBA and the WNBPA may soon give way to a temporary pause across the league.

According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, the league and the players’ union are in discussions over a moratorium proposal that would halt several upcoming league processes, including free agency, qualifying offers, and core designations, events that were scheduled to begin as early as Sunday. While the CBA negotiations remain ongoing, this proposed freeze would exist separately from those talks, acting as a short-term solution to manage league operations amid uncertainty.

This update comes as the league and the WNBPA were entering a status quo period, with teams preparing to move forward under existing rules. But a moratorium, if approved by the union, would significantly alter that path.

A pause would allow both sides to avoid unnecessary movement.

From the WNBA’s perspective, the logic is straightforward. If a new CBA is eventually finalized, all the transactions would fall under the updated agreement anyway. Pressing forward now could create confusion, extra administrative work, and potential disputes down the line, especially with the expansion draft and almost 100 players in the league now wearing the tag of a free agent.

But for now, neither the league nor the players’ union will call for an immediate lockout or strike, but there is still no obligation to proceed with normal league business unless mutually agreed upon. But whether the union agrees to the moratorium or not remains to be seen.

WNBPA and WNBA Issue Statements Amid Failure to Reach New CBA

The WNBA and its players’ union have failed to agree on a new collective bargaining agreement by Friday night’s deadline, leaving the league to enter a period with the current CBA still in effect, while Negotiations will continue.

Both sides have already agreed to two extensions in the past, yet both remain far apart on critical issues like salary structure, revenue-sharing, and overall player compensation. In response, the WNBPA has recently released a statement emphasizing its frustration with the league’s approach.

“Despite demonstrating our willingness to compromise in order to get a deal done, the WNBA and its teams have failed to meet us at the table with the same spirit and seriousness,’ they said in a statement as per AP. “Instead, they have remained committed to undervaluing player contributions, dismissing player concerns, and running out the clock.”

While on the other hand, the league stated, “As the league experiences a pivotal time of unprecedented popularity and growth, we recognize the importance of building upon that momentum. Our priority is a deal that significantly increases player salaries, enhances the overall player experience, and supports the long-term growth of the league for current and future generations of players and fans.”

The league’s latest proposal last month guaranteed a maximum base salary of $1 million in 2026, potentially rising to $1.3 million with revenue sharing, with the average player salary exceeding $530,000. But that’s still only 15% of the net revenue when the WNBPA’s counterproposal is asking to grant players roughly 30% of gross revenue, along with a $10.5 million team salary cap and incremental revenue-sharing growth in the following years.

For stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers, who are still on their first contracts, that could nearly double their minimum earnings, but with such fundamental differences over revenue distribution and financial structure, a common ground remains out of reach.

However, the WNBPA made one thing clear: they won’t negotiate when it comes to pay equity.

“Make no mistake. Pay equity is not optional, and progress is long overdue. We urge the league and its teams to meet this moment. The players already have and will continue to do so,” the union further added in their statement.

But until a new CBA is agreed upon, the WNBA and the WNBPA must navigate through uncharted waters.

Do you think the league and the players can come to terms without affecting the league’s calendar? Let us know in the comments!