The WNBPA (player\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Image | Source: Dice City Sports<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCandace Parker Exclusive: Setting the Bar for Women\u2019s Basketball<\/p>\n
In an exclusive talksSPORT interview, WNBA legend and Hall of Famer Candace Parker stressed the league\u2019s role as a global standard in women\u2019s basketball. \u201cI think it\u2019s super important for the WNBA to kind of set the bar. A lot of things the WNBA has been first,\u201d she said, urging higher pay to match the sport\u2019s momentum.<\/p>\n
In an exclusive talksSPORT interview, WNBA legend and Hall of Famer Candace Parker stressed the league\u2019s role as a global standard in women\u2019s basketball. \u201cI think it\u2019s super important for the WNBA to kind of set the bar. A lot of things the WNBA has been first,\u201d she said, urging higher pay to match the sport\u2019s momentum.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d she stated.<\/p>\n
The WNBA continues to operate under outdated CBA rules and Parker suggests addressing some league disparities- such as coaches sometimes earning more than players- that could avoid a lockout or strikes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.<\/p>\n
Image | Source: Dice City Sports<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
The WNBPA is advocating for about 30% of the WNBA\u2019s overall gross earnings, along with a $10.5 million per-team spending limit.<\/p>\n
Under the league\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
\u201cSomebody better start talking before I start screaming.\u201d<\/p>\n
A\u2019ja Wilson, the reigning MVP and Las Vegas Aces star, took to Threads <\/a>\u00a0shortly after the 2026 schedule release.<\/p>\n Image | Source: Dice City Sports<\/p>\n