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 matter. The current agreement is due to expire on Friday, and discussions have intensified recently as both parties aim to reach a new deal. An official announcement has not been made, but the league is open to extending the deadline to allow more time for negotiations.
If accepted, the extension would provide an opportunity for both sides to negotiate a new agreement that could significantly impact player salaries. In a similar situation in 2019, an extension was granted, leading to the ratification of the current agreement in January 2020.
The acceptance of the extension by the players’ union remains uncertain. WNBPA senior adviser and legal counsel Erin D. Drake suggested that reaching a deal before Friday would require cooperation from both sides. The league, however, responded by affirming its commitment to genuine negotiations.
Recent meetings between the parties, including one held in New York earlier this month, indicate ongoing discussions. Players chose to opt out of the current agreement last year, seeking improvements such as increased revenue sharing, higher salaries, enhanced benefits, and a more flexible salary cap.
While the WNBA has expressed its intent for a transformative agreement with substantial salary and benefit enhancements, players seem dissatisfied with the current offers. The exact gap in salary expectations between the parties remains unclear. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert emphasized the league’s and players’ mutual desire for a comprehensive agreement.
With tensions escalating between the league and players, negotiations continue as both parties work towards a resolution.