With the WNBA\u2019s current collective bargaining agreement set to expire, the league and its players\u2019 association have mutually agreed to a 30-day extension.<\/p>\n
That pact, however, could prove to be short-lived, as it also includes a potential opt-out clause for the players, provided that they give a 48-hour notice.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe WNBPA Executive Committee agreed to the league\u2019s proposed 30-day extension of the current CBA, with the condition that the players may terminate the extension at any time with 48 hours\u2019 notice,\u201d the union said in a statement posted to social media on Friday morning. \u201cWhile we believed negotiations would be further along, the players are more focused, united, and determined than ever to reach an agreement that reflects their value and undeniable impact on the league.\u201d<\/p>\n
News of the 30-day extension came just hours ahead of Friday\u2019s previous deadline, in which the preexisting CBA was set to expire. Had the deadline passed without an extension or new agreement in place, the league and its players would have entered a period of status quo, with either side possessing the ability to announce a work stoppage via a players strike or owners lockout.<\/p>\n
Essentially, the same thing can now still happen, so long as the players provide the proper two-day notice. But the fact that the two sides were able to at least agree on an extension should seemingly be viewed as a positive as they continue their contentious negotiations<\/a>.<\/p>\n