The WNBPA (player’s union) and WNBA remain locked in an intense showdown contrary to the 2026 schedule release. The prior CBA expired January 9, 2026, after failed deadlines and extensions.
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Aug 25, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky franchise legend and WNBA Champion Candace Parker speaks during a press conference before a WNBA game between the Chicago Sky and Las Vegas Aces at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Candace Parker Exclusive: Setting the Bar for Women’s Basketball
In an exclusive talksSPORT interview, WNBA legend and Hall of Famer Candace Parker stressed the league’s role as a global standard in women’s basketball. “I think it’s super important for the WNBA to kind of set the bar. A lot of things the WNBA has been first,” she said, urging higher pay to match the sport’s momentum.
In an exclusive talksSPORT interview, WNBA legend and Hall of Famer Candace Parker stressed the league’s role as a global standard in women’s basketball. “I think it’s super important for the WNBA to kind of set the bar. A lot of things the WNBA has been first,” she said, urging higher pay to match the sport’s momentum.
“The power is always within the players but obviously we want there to be a season. I think its super important for both sides to work together,” she stated.
The WNBA continues to operate under outdated CBA rules and Parker suggests addressing some league disparities- such as coaches sometimes earning more than players- that could avoid a lockout or strikes and start the 2026 season on time.
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Oct 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts reacts against the Las Vegas Aces during the second half of game four of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The WNBPA is advocating for about 30% of the WNBA’s overall gross earnings, along with a $10.5 million per-team spending limit.
Under the league’s latest counteroffer, top earners could receive a $1 million base pay, potentially beyond $1.3 million with performance-based incentives tied to income distribution. This includes allocating around 70% of after-expense profits across the contract term, with an opening-year team budget of $5 million that scales with financial expansion.
With the release of the 2026 schedule during ongoing negotiations, one would think the WNBA will soon make a counteroffer or agreement to the CBA terms.
“Somebody better start talking before I start screaming.”
A’ja Wilson, the reigning MVP and Las Vegas Aces star, took to Threads shortly after the 2026 schedule release.
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Jul 19, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Team Collier forward Napheesa Collier (24) looks on before the 2025 WNBA All Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The schedule itself teases a competitive season, if it happens.
Opening weekend features two expansion teams, Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo.
The WNBA’s 2026 schedule (44 games, May 8–Sept. 24) features a 2025 Finals rematch (Aces vs. Mercury), Clark vs. Bueckers (Fever vs. Wings), and a 30th-anniversary rematch (Sparks vs. Liberty on June 21) The ‘W’ has also made room for a 17-day break for the FIBA World Cup.
For Aces fans, the wait ends May 9 at T-Mobile Arena, where the defending champions host Phoenix in a banner-raising Finals rematch—assuming a CBA deal gets finalized soon.