The 2026 WNBA season is in serious jeopardy as renewed CBA talks continue heading into the spring, but the latest meetings still haven’t resulted in a positive solution.
With nearly three months to go until WNBA players return, the league’s players union is struggling to get a finalized agreement in place that will give its stars what they want.
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However, a new Front Office Sports report also indicates that there are further issues. This includes a potential “disagreement among players” when it comes to if they choose to strike and put the 2026 WNBA season on hold.
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The unfortunate timing in all of this situation is that the WNBA is looking to capitalize on stars like Caitlin Clark, Chelsea Gray, Angel Reese and more.
Furthermore, Unrivaled’s recent success has also created a massive buzz heading into the new WNBA season. While the women’s basketball players are certainly looking for a justified increase in their salaries, the risk of striking does present a big problem in stunting the league’s growth.
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According to the report, the union’s latest meeting on Tuesday was “spirited, passionate, and at times tough.”
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Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas reacts against the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA Finals.
Last season, Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell was the highest-paid player in the WNBA at roughly $269,000. However, the majority of the league’s stars make under the $200,000 threshold.
This comes as current CBA talks look at expanding the salary cap so that max contracts reach over $1 million.
Caitlin Clark’s 2025 salary was $78,000 despite being one of the most recognizable faces in men’s or women’s basketball. Angel Reese checks in slightly lower at about $74,000 from last year, which certainly amplifies the players’ demand for higher wages as the WNBA’s growth soars.
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