The 2025 WNBA season is more than halfway through, and the collective bargaining negotiations have made little progress.
Although the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) does not expire until October 31, there are growing concerns about the possibility of a lockout. However, ESPN’s Michael Voepel and Kevin Pelton wrote on the possibilities of a lockout and one factor that may prevent it.
“Failing to reach agreement by Halloween wouldn’t necessarily translate into a lockout. With talks progressing, the two sides extended the term of the last CBA until they completed negotiations in January on the eve of free agency,” wrote Voepel and Pelton.
“The WNBA might have more urgency this year because of the expansion process for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, set to begin play in 2026 (and expansion to 18 teams by 2030).”
CBA Progression for the W
Currently, there is no imminent threat of a lockout. However, players are open to the possibility of a lockout if negotiations do not progress. The last CBA went into effect in 2020, which was the season of the “Wubble.”
WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) President Nneka Ogwumike has been vocal on what improvement players want to see, and that now is the time for growth financially. Players collectively voiced their opinions during the All-Star game by wearing a custom “Pay Us What You Owe Us” shirt.
The last CBA addressed increased salaries and salary caps, charter flights, revenue sharing, pregnancy and family benefits, and expansion. While the current CBA provided significant strides, the players are focused on one aspect.
“There are several, but the most important is revenue sharing: how it’s determined and whether the percentage will be allowed to grow during the course of the CBA and not be a fixed number for the duration of the deal,” wrote Voepel and Pelton.
Outside analysts and critics have questioned where the money would come from and if the league is generating revenue. However, with record-breaking numbers in 2024 from viewership, merchandise, the Caitlin Clark effect, and ticket sales, it’s apparent that the league is producing.
Upcoming Expansion
The WNBA will reach 18 teams by 2030. Both the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo will most likely have their expansion draft toward the end of this year. Last year, the Golden State Valkyries had their expansion draft on December 7.
According to ESPN, Golden State paid an estimated $50 million for its franchise. The three new teams (Cleveland, Detroit, Philadelphia) are estimated to pay $250 million.
In the beginning stages of the WNBA, NBA owners purchased teams, which created sister teams to the NBA. As the W started to grow, some owners sold their teams or ceased operations due to funding.
The W is leveling UP — three new teams, three new cities, one unstoppable future. ⭐
Say hello to our newest expansion teams: 🟣 @clevelandwnba – coming 2028 🔵 @DetroitWNBA – coming 2029 🔴 @philawnba – coming 2030
New energy. New legacies. New era.
Owners have held the upper hand with past CBA negotiations, which derailed lockout possibilities. “Specifically, owners have more at stake now that franchise valuations have escalated,” wrote Voepel and Pelton.
“Most explicitly in 2003, when negotiations on the WNBA’s second CBA took until April to complete, players have always had to deal with the possibility that owners could withdraw their support for the league.”
“With fierce competition for expansion teams, the WNBA is no longer at risk of going anywhere. That’s increased player resolve to make a deal on their terms — however long that means.”
CBA Talks Continue, ESPN Reveals Factor That May Prevent Lockout