The VNBA sets March 10 as the deadline for the completion of the new collective bargaining agreement
Ten days later Press shot by Adam Silver to expedite discussions between the WNBA and the players, deadlines are beginning to take shape. According to ESPNThe Women’s League has notified the players’ union (VNBPA) and franchises that a new collective agreement must be reached by March 10.
This deadline is intended to ensure that the 2026 season schedule remains intact. On Monday morning, a large online meeting brought together representatives of the VNBA (governing bodies and owners) and more than fifty players for the second session of negotiations this month.
In addition to announcing the March 10 deadline, the two sides have continued to exchange views on persistent points of disagreement, in talks that have now lasted 16 months. The union plans to meet to prepare its official response to the league’s proposal from last Friday.
The usual organization is already disrupted
We remind you that the VNBPA submitted a new idea for a collective agreement to the Major Women’s League, which he rejected. The two sides still cannot agree on the operation of the new revenue-sharing system, the main sticking point in the negotiations. Another major point of friction: the issue of housing, which has historically been covered by franchises.
By issuing this first real ultimatum, the VNBA wants to speed things up while negotiations drag on, already disrupting the usual organization. Even if a deal is reached, ratification would take several weeks, delaying key stages: the expansion draft for new teams from Toronto and Portland, as well as the “free agency” that concerns the vast majority of its players.
Training camps are normally scheduled to begin on April 19, after the draft is scheduled for April 13. The regular season begins on May 8 for the opener.
2026-02-24 08:44:00
