The second CBA extension ended on January 9, and now the league enters “status quo.” The current CBA will be maintained as the two parties continue to negotiate. But while a lockout or strike hasn’t been called yet, the WNBA could still witness a delayed season.

As per the latest update by Erin Drake, legal counsel and senior advisor at the WNBPA, Cathy Engelbert verbally stated that there won’t be any expansion draft until a new CBA is in place. And it’s understandable why.

An expansion draft will be held as Portland and Toronto enter the league this season. The current teams would need to figure out who they will be protecting from being selected in the draft.

And that’s something made complicated, considering all the free agents. Over 100 players are included in free agency. While free agency was supposed to start by the end of January, without a new CBA, it won’t be possible.

But these aren’t the only processes delayed. With the delay in the release of the schedule, there would be a delay in ticket sales too. Also, with so many players potentially changing teams as free agents, new merchandise wouldn’t be sold either.

However, according to ESPN sources, the league is telling teams to keep operating as usual and prepare for free agency, qualifying offers, and core designation. A moratorium is being discussed.

This would temporarily pause all major roster and contract activity so that teams don’t have to rush paperwork or make decisions under pressure. Through all this, the WNBA and the union would continue to negotiate in “good faith.”

Where are the two parties stuck?

So far, the league and the union have sat through multiple negotiations, and the league has finally moved the needle. It has put forward an offer that includes increased salaries and a 70% share of net revenue, that is, after subtracting all expenses.

However, the union is asking for 30% of gross revenue, as it believes the players who provide the labor shouldn’t be paid last. But the league views the players’ ask as a loss.

According to ESPN, paying 30% of gross revenue would result in $700 million in losses over the course of the agreement, which is more than the league has endured in the last 29 years.

Though the union still believes the league is portraying false estimations. They believe fulfilling players’ demands still puts them in a profitable position. And that’s exactly where the two parties remain far apart.

So what do you think? Will the new CBA be reached before it’s too late?

Written by

Yashika Dutta

Edited by

Joyita Das