The WNBA has granted players a 30-day extension to further discuss a new collective bargaining agreement, as reported by two sources familiar with the decision on Tuesday. The current agreement is set to expire on Friday, leading to escalating tensions as both parties strive to reach a new deal. The league is open to extending the deadline to facilitate negotiations, although no official announcement has been made.
Extending the timeline allows for more comprehensive discussions that could significantly impact player salaries. In the past, a similar situation occurred in 2019 when the previous agreement expired, leading to a 60-day extension before finalizing the current agreement in January 2020.
The acceptance of the extension by the players’ union remains uncertain. ESPN initially reported on the extension offer, while WNBPA senior adviser Erin D. Drake expressed that reaching a deal by Friday would require effort from both sides.
In response to concerns, the league issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to genuine negotiations and refuting claims of bad faith. Recent meetings, including one in New York earlier this month, have taken place between the parties to address key issues.
Last year, players opted out of the current agreement to seek improvements such as enhanced revenue sharing, higher salaries, better benefits, and a more flexible salary cap. While the WNBA has proposed changes, it appears that the offers have not met the players’ expectations yet. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert highlighted the shared goal of achieving a transformative agreement with substantial increases in salary and benefits.
Despite the ongoing discussions, the salary parameters and the extent of the gap between the parties remain unclear. The league and players aspire to secure a deal that benefits both sides, reflecting the desire for a positive outcome amid the negotiation process.
