The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) entered a moratorium after the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations stalled, freezing free‑agency signings and other offseason moves. The deadlock centers on revenue‑share percentages, salary caps, and player benefits, leaving teams and athletes uncertain as the 2026 season approaches.
What Triggered the Moratorium?
The league and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) failed to reach a new CBA before the deadline for extending the current pact. Key sticking points include a modest revenue‑share increase proposed by the league, unchanged salary‑floor levels, and the structure of player benefits. With no agreement reached, both sides imposed a temporary freeze on all league business.
Free Agency on Hold
Free agency, which normally begins in mid‑January, has been suspended. Teams cannot officially engage with free agents, and players remain in a holding pattern, uncertain whether they will sign new contracts or stay under existing deals. The delay compresses the offseason calendar, potentially shortening training‑camp rosters and reducing preseason exhibition games.
Impact on Player Contracts
Without a clear free‑agency window, athletes lack the opportunity to negotiate salaries or explore new team options. This uncertainty can affect player earnings, career planning, and overall morale.
Player Concerns
Veteran guard Sophie Cunningham voiced strong disappointment, warning that the league appears to be heading toward a lockout if negotiations do not progress. Her remarks reflect a broader anxiety among players that a prolonged deadlock could stall earnings and erode the fan engagement built over recent years.
Financial Stakes and Revenue Share
The last major CBA in 2020 introduced a salary‑cap increase and expanded health benefits, helping the league double its revenue and secure major broadcasting deals. The current proposal would raise player revenue share to 22% of net revenue, below the 30% benchmark set in 2020. With projected league revenues approaching $500 million for the 2026 season, players argue that the proposed split is unsustainable.
Consequences for Teams and the League
The moratorium creates operational paralysis. Front offices cannot finalize rosters, complicating salary‑cap planning, roster construction, and marketing initiatives that rely on star players. For the league, the timing is critical: the season launch is slated for May, leaving only a few months to resolve the dispute. A prolonged impasse could force a shortened season or, in a worst‑case scenario, a lockout that cancels games entirely.
Future Outlook
Both the WNBA and the WNBPA have expressed willingness to return to the negotiating table, but fundamental disagreements remain. The moratorium provides a temporary breather while pressure mounts to reach a new agreement before key 2026 milestones. The outcome will determine not only the composition of the upcoming rosters but also the long‑term financial health and cultural relevance of the league.
