In order for the 2026 WNBA season to start on time, the WNBA players and the WNBPA needed to agree on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) by March 10th. Unfortunately, that date has passed. However, the two sides are still working hard to try to get a CBA done so that they can play in the 2026 season.

For the past three days, both the WNBA players and the WNBPA have been meeting late through the night, often until the early morning hours. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has spoken to the media, ensuring that the two sides are coming close to an agreement.

There is a lot of preparation that needs to be done for the 2026 season. This season is supposed to be the first for the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire, the two latest expansion teams for the WNBA, bringing the total number of teams to 15.

To make sure the teams are fair, the league will need to have an expansion draft to send already established players in the WNBA to the incoming franchises.

On top of that, a large number of the players will also be hitting free agency, with 123 players potentially going to a new team. Since the new CBA will increase the salary for the players, there’s a good reason for them to hold out to try to get more money. Regardless, they may or may not still be on the same team, depending on how aggressive these franchises go for certain players while they are not signed to their current team. Some notable players reaching free agency are A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart and Skylar Diggins.

If there wasn't already enough of a time crunch, there will need to be a 2026 entry draft to welcome any incoming collegiate players to the league. There are a bunch of strong prospects, including Azzi Fudd, Lauren Betts and Flau’jae Johnson.

The WNBA Entry Draft is slated to occur on Monday, April 13, just one month out. In order for the draft to occur, the league needs to hold the expansion drafts first. Free agency can go on up until the season begins, but with two months to go, the deadline draws nearer.

The WNBA players are trying to get better working conditions for themselves, including better pay, retirement benefits, and housing. The biggest point of contention has been the players’ salaries, but they are working diligently to come to a conclusion.

The 2026 season marks the 30th for the WNBA. With such a historic moment in history for the league, both the players and the league committee are sure to want to do whatever they can to ensure this season will start on time. Engelbert spoke to the media, stating that they are urgently trying to come to a decision on the new CBA by Monday, March 16th. Both sides want a season; let’s hope they can give the fans and the players what they want, too.