'Running out clock': Stalled CBA deal clouds 2026 season

• WNBA collective bargaining agreement expired Saturday (AEDT) with negotiations continuing under status quo period
• Players union staged inflatable rat protest outside NBA Store demanding better revenue sharing deal
• League's latest offer includes maximum salaries potentially reaching two million dollars by deal's end

Australian basketball icon Michele Timms believes Bendigo Spirit and Australian Opals star Isobel Borlase was WNBA-ready but whether she even has the opportunity to make the leap in 2026 is clouded in uncertainty.

Borlase, 21, was drafted by the Atlanta Dream in 2024, is on the verge of joining Australia's WNBA stars Sami Whitcomb, Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith, Ezi Magbegor, Rebecca Allen, Jade Melbourne, Steph Talbot, Chloe Bibby and Georgia Amoore in the world's top women's league.

Timms, who is the Naismith Hall of Fame, WNBL Hall of Fame and FIBA Hall of Fame, said Bendigo Spirit and Australian Opals star guard Isobel Borlase has developed into a WNBA-level scorer. Borlase led the defending champions to a composed 77–71 road win over Geelong Venom at Geelong Arena on Saturday, December 13, 2025 in Round 9 of WNBL26.

But the Women's National Basketball Players Association and WNBA entered uncharted territory as their collective bargaining agreement expired on Saturday (AEDT), triggering ongoing negotiations that could reshape the W.

Players Union Takes Strong Stance Against League Tactics

The WNBPA released a scathing statement just thirty minutes before the deadline, positioning an inflatable rat outside the NBA Store in New York as a symbol of labour protest. The union expressed frustration with the league's negotiating approach, stating the WNBA had "failed to meet us at the table with the same spirit and seriousness."

"Despite demonstrating our willingness to compromise in order to get a deal done, the WNBA and its teams have remained committed to undervaluing player contributions, dismissing player concerns, and running out the clock," the union declared.

The players association emphasised their commitment to securing a transformational agreement that includes salary systems tied to meaningful revenue sharing, professional working conditions, and protections for current and future generations of players.

League Responds With Significant Financial Proposal

The WNBA countered with a statement acknowledging the expired agreement while emphasising the league's unprecedented popularity and growth. League officials outlined their priority as "a deal that significantly increases player salaries, enhances the overall player experience, and supports the long-term growth of the league."

According to sources with direct knowledge of negotiations, the WNBA's latest offer proposes players receive in excess of 70 percent of net revenue. The package includes a maximum USD $1M base salary, with projected revenue sharing components raising total earnings to more than USD $1.3 million in 2026.

The proposal's salary structure would see maximum earnings grow to nearly USD $2M over the agreement's duration, while minimum salaries would increase to more than USD $250,000. Average player compensation would rise to more than USD $530,000, growing to exceed USD $780,000 by the deal's conclusion.

Key Negotiating Points Divide Both Sides

The primary sticking points centre on revenue sharing structures and salary frameworks. While both parties agree on increased compensation, they differ significantly on whether revenue sharing should be calculated from net or gross income, the specific percentage allocation, and salary cap implementation.

Players have prioritised enhanced revenue sharing as their cornerstone demand, viewing it as essential for the sport's long-term sustainability and growth.

Australian Connections and Global Impact

The negotiations carry particular significance for Australian basketball fans, especially those following WNBA players with WNBL connections. Several Australian players, including those who have competed in the WNBL, play in the WNBA and would directly benefit from improved compensation structures.

The outcome could influence global women's basketball development, potentially affecting how leagues like the WNBL structure their own player agreements and revenue sharing models. Australian basketball development programs often look to WNBA standards as benchmarks for professional women's basketball worldwide.

Liberty Star Provides Timeline Optimism

New York Liberty All-Star Breanna Stewart offered cautious optimism regarding resolution timelines during Friday's "Good Game with Sarah Spain" podcast appearance. Stewart indicated players don't expect immediate lockout action, stating, "It doesn't mean that on Saturday we're going to have a lockout, unless the league does something that we're not prepared for."

When pressed about potential agreement timelines, Stewart suggested February first as a realistic target.

"Hopefully, everything can be done by February 1," she said.

"Even if we agree, we still have to wait for the contracts to be written. So there's a lot to be thinking about."

Status Quo Period Continues Operations

Both parties have entered what's known as a status quo period, allowing negotiations to continue while maintaining existing player benefits. During this phase, either side can declare lockout or strike action without advance notice, though neither appears imminent.

The WNBA maintains obligations under U.S. labour law to allow qualifying offers to free agents beginning January eleventh. These offers would operate under the expired agreement's terms, serving purely procedural purposes to comply with legal requirements.