The WNBA has imposed a strict March 10 deadline to finalize a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) or risk disrupting the 2026 season. League representatives, owners, and over 50 players convened virtually on Monday, with the league formally presenting the date to both the players' association (WNBPA) and the teams. This deadline marks the first concrete timeframe the league has provided, signaling increased urgency as negotiations have stalled for 16 months.

The core dispute centers on revenue sharing, which the WNBPA asserts the league generated enough revenue in 2025 to trigger, along with contentious housing provisions not originally included in the league's proposals. The WNBPA has authorized its executive committee to call a strike if necessary. Even if a deal is reached, finalizing it could take weeks, followed by critical tasks like the expansion draft for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire and free agency for 80% of the league.

Training camp is currently scheduled to begin April 19, with the college draft set for April 13.