WNBA Players Union Talks Continue in 12-Hour Marathon to Avoid Season Delay

By INGLOBE Magazine News Desk | March 2026

The WNBA players union talks with league officials lasted nearly 12 hours as both sides worked to reach a new collective bargaining agreement before the upcoming season begins. Negotiations are focused on revenue sharing, which remains the biggest obstacle between the league and its players.

According to reports from The Associated Press, representatives from the Women’s National Basketball Association and the players’ union met for extended negotiations in an effort to finalize a deal that would allow the season to start on schedule.

WNBA Players Union Talks Continue Overnight

Union executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson said discussions were productive despite the lengthy negotiations. After more than 10 hours of meetings, she told reporters that conversations were moving in the right direction.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert briefly addressed reporters outside the hotel where the negotiations were taking place early Wednesday morning.

“It's complex, but we're working toward a win-win deal,” Engelbert said. “We're aiming for a transformational agreement that balances player compensation with continued investment from team owners.”

Revenue Sharing Remains Key Issue

The central issue in the WNBA players union talks is revenue sharing. The players’ union recently proposed receiving an average of 26% of the league’s gross revenue over the course of the new agreement.

The league has responded with proposals offering more than 70% of net revenue, which would increase as the league continues to grow. However, officials have said the union’s request based on gross revenue is unrealistic.

Negotiations must reach a breakthrough soon. League officials previously indicated that a handshake agreement was needed by Tuesday to avoid disruptions to the league’s upcoming schedule.

Upcoming WNBA Season Timeline at Risk

If the two sides fail to finalize a deal quickly, several key league events could be delayed. According to the current timetable, the expansion draft for new franchises in Portland and Toronto is expected to take place between April 1 and April 6.

Free agent negotiations would follow shortly after, with training camps scheduled to open later in April. The WNBA season is currently expected to begin on May 8.

Star player Caitlin Clark recently urged both sides to negotiate directly rather than exchanging proposals remotely.

“I don’t understand why we don’t just get in a room and iron it out and shake hands,” Clark said during a recent USA Basketball training camp. “That’s how business works.”

Future of the League Depends on Agreement

The outcome of the WNBA players union talks could significantly shape the league’s future growth. With increasing global attention and rising player popularity, both sides face pressure to reach a deal that supports long-term expansion while improving player compensation.

As negotiations continue, fans and teams across the league are waiting to see whether a final agreement can be reached in time to keep the 2026 WNBA season on track.