The WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association have agreed to a moratorium on league activities after failing to reach a new collective bargaining agreement before Friday’s deadline, sources told ESPN on Monday. The moratorium halts the early stages of free agency, including qualifying offers and core player designations.
As negotiations continue, the sides remain far apart on a number of key issues. The revenue sharing structure is the main point of contention between the league and the union.
When the previous collective labor agreement expired, the parties entered a status quo period. During this interim phase, the employment conditions from the old agreement remain in force.
WNBA front offices received guidance last week on preparing qualifying offers and core designations under the expired agreement. Players were expected to resist signing contracts while a new salary system with significant pay increases expected was still being negotiated.
All but two of the league’s veterans are free agents this season, pending a new CBA. The moratorium prevents teams from making qualifying offers and core designations until negotiations are completed.
Both sides acknowledge that the final deal will be transformative for the league. Talks continue as the WNBA and WNBPA work to resolve the outstanding issues.
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