WNBA on the Brink of Its First Lockout
The WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association have just 60 days to reach a new collective bargaining agreement, and signs point to a deal not being reached by the October 31st deadline. Players have been vocal about their demands for greater compensation and equity, making their message loud and clear during All-Star Weekend with statement T-shirts. They want their fair share. “The players are working diligently to achieve a transformational CBA that builds on the growth, momentum, and positive news surrounding women’s sports and the W,” said WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson in a statement. What happens over the next two months could shape the future of the league—and redefine the value of women’s professional sports.
That momentum is already paying off. Starting next year, the WNBA will receive $200 million annually as part of the NBA’s new 11-year, $2.2 billion media rights deal with Disney, Amazon, and NBCUniversal. The league is also set to collect record expansion fees: Portland and Toronto will join in 2026, while Detroit, Cleveland, and Philadelphia are expected to follow by 2030, each paying around $250 million to enter the league. With so much new money flowing in, players argue that now is the time to invest directly in them. They believe the league’s growth wouldn't be possible without their labor, performance, and visibility. For many, this moment isn’t just about bigger paychecks; it’s about being properly valued in a booming business they helped build.
At the center of the negotiations are the players’ demands for a revenue-sharing model that better reflects the league’s growth, moving beyond a fixed percentage. For example, players currently receive almost no earnings from jersey and merchandise sales, a key source of revenue in other professional leagues. They’re also pushing for softer salary cap rules and expanded rosters to increase player pay and reduce fatigue. They’re also calling for better long-term support—from stronger maternity protections to more comprehensive health and retirement benefits. For the union, this negotiation is about fairness and future growth: making sure the players who drive the WNBA’s success are finally treated like equal partners in it.
