WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stated that negotiations with the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) have made progress, but a deal must be finalized by Monday to prevent disruptions to key offseason events.[1][2]

Engelbert emphasized the need to advance the two-team expansion process, free agency and the college draft, which is one month away. The league is adding the Toronto Tempest as its 18th franchise for the 2026 season, following the debut of the Golden State Valkyries in 2025.[1][3][4]

Training camps are scheduled to open on April 19, with preseason games beginning April 25.[1][2]

WNBPA Executive Director Terri Carmichael Jackson described recent movement as positive, particularly on ancillary issues, while stressing that "transformational" changes remain the goal. Engelbert noted that significant items, including revenue sharing, are still unresolved.[1][2]

The league has proposed players receive more than 70% of net revenues on average, while the union's latest offer seeks 26% of gross revenues over the deal's term. A prior league proposal for less than 15% of gross revenues was rejected by the union.[2][5]

WNBPA Vice President Napheesa Collier joined in-person talks on Friday, with executive committee members Brianna Turner and Alysha Clark participating earlier in the week. Negotiations have extended for hours daily in recent days.[1][2]

The current CBA, ratified in 2020, expires after the 2025 season. The WNBPA notified the league of its opt-out in August 2024 to pursue a new agreement.[3][5]

Sources

1. Fox News Digital
   Article title: WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert acknowledges progress in ongoing negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement
   Publication date: March 24, 2026
   https://www.foxnews.com/sports/wnba-commissioner-cathy-engelbert-acknowledges-progress-ongoing-negotiations-new-collective-bargaining-agreement
2. ESPN
   Article title: WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert provides CBA update, sets deadline
   Publication date: March 24, 2026
   https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/39912345/wnba-cba-update-engelbert-deadline
3. WNBA.com
   Article title: WNBA to add Toronto as league's 18th franchise in 2026
   Publication date: May 22, 2025
   https://www.wnba.com/news/wnba-announces-toronto-franchise-2026
4. WNBA.com
   Article title: Golden State Valkyries to join WNBA in 2025
   Publication date: October 4, 2023
   https://valkyries.wnba.com/news/wnba-announces-golden-state-valkyries
5. ESPN
   Article title: WNBA players association opts out of CBA after 2025 season
   Publication date: August 20, 2024
   https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/40874758/wnbpa-notifies-wnba-opt-cba-post-2025-season