WNBA offers the players a 30-day extension as the CBA deadline looms

The WNBA has offered a 30-day extension to players to continue negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, as reported by anonymous sources to The Associated Press. The current CBA is set to expire on Friday, and tensions have been rising in recent weeks as both sides work toward a new deal, with the league willing to push back the deadline to facilitate further discussions.

An extension would provide additional time to reach a transformational agreement for players, particularly in terms of salary improvements. This approach echoes a previous instance in 2019, when a 60-day extension led to the ratification of the current CBA in January 2020 after the prior deal had expired.

It is unclear whether the players' union will accept the extension offer, which was first reported by ESPN. Erin D. Drake, senior advisor and legal counsel for the WNBPA, emphasized on a podcast that cooperation is essential, stating it "takes two to tango" and expressing doubt that a deal would be reached by the original Friday deadline.

The league responded with a statement rebuking the union for disseminating public misinformation and urging them to focus on constructive engagement at the negotiation table instead. This highlights the ongoing friction between the parties as they strive to resolve their differences.

Meetings have been held over the past few weeks, including one in New York earlier this month, according to sources who spoke anonymously. The players had exercised their right to opt out of the current CBA last year, seeking key improvements such as increased revenue sharing, higher salaries, enhanced benefits, and a softer salary cap.