What's expected in WNBA's consequential offseason as CBA deadline nears?

With the Oct. 31 CBA deadline looming, a potential lockout could freeze offseason moves and delay expansion drafts, creating uncertainty that may keep futures (MVP, title odds, win totals) static — smart bettors may wait for a new CBA and completed free-agent signings before placing large wagers, or favor shorter-term markets and player props less tied to roster churn.

WNBA Offseason Set to Be One of the Biggest in League History

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert handed the championship trophy to Las Vegas owner Mark Davis and named A’ja Wilson Finals MVP, but the celebration immediately shifted focus to an offseason that could reshape the league. With more than 100 veteran players reaching free agency and two expansion teams joining next season, the league faces seismic change as collective bargaining talks near a critical Oct. 31 deadline.

CBA Negotiations and the Oct. 31 Deadline

Key Issues on the Table

Negotiations between the league and the players’ union are centered on salary structure, revenue sharing and the overall financial framework. Both sides have publicly called for a “transformational” agreement; the league has proposed significant salary increases while players are pushing to tie compensation more explicitly to basketball-related revenue as the WNBA’s business expands.

Leverage and Tone

Union leaders have described discussions as combative, and the two sides remain apart on several structural pillars that will determine pay scales, roster rules and expansion mechanics. An extension could be agreed to continue talks, but if not, the league has signaled that a lockout would begin Nov. 1.

Lockout Risk and Offseason Consequences

A lockout would not immediately cancel regular-season games, but it would shutter team facilities and block player access to in-market training resources, disrupting offseason preparation. It would also freeze league-run processes such as the draft lottery and expansion draft until an agreement is in place.

Expansion Teams, Draft Lottery and Expansion Draft Format Questions

Uncertain Timing and Rules

The planned Toronto and Portland franchises raise complex questions: How many players will teams be allowed to protect? What happens to unrestricted free agents in the draft? League officials have offered general guidance but have not finalized formats for the draft lottery or expansion draft, and those details likely hinge on a new CBA.

Historical Context

The last time the league added multiple teams, the format involved a multi-pick expansion draft and a random drawing to set order. With two teams entering simultaneously, the league must craft a fair process that balances competitiveness and roster stability.

Free Agency: Expect Massive Movement and Bigger Contracts

Free agency cannot begin until the CBA is settled because contract minimums, team salary caps and core player provisions are all collectively bargained. Nearly every veteran not on a rookie deal is a free agent this offseason, and industry expectation is that average and minimum salaries could rise dramatically, potentially tripling for some players.

Roster and Cap Implications

Teams will enter free agency with plenty of cap space but also many roster holes to fill. Some players are expected to re-sign with their current clubs on more lucrative deals, while others could trigger wide roster reshuffles. Historically small contracts would be boosted to any new league minimum, increasing the baseline pay for role players and rookies.

Schedule, International Calendar and Game-Count Negotiations

The current CBA allows up to 44 regular-season games, but expansion and broadcast demands make additional games likely. Players raised concerns about the season cadence in 2025, and increasing games remains a sticking point. The 2026 calendar may pause for the FIBA World Cup in early September, which could push the postseason later and create arena and broadcast conflicts with college basketball and the NBA.

What This Means for Bettors

Uncertainty around the CBA, free agency and expansion creates volatility in long-term betting markets. Futures such as league MVP, championship odds and team win totals are likely to remain fluid until rosters stabilize. Short-term markets and player props that depend less on offseason movement may offer cleaner opportunities. Punters should consider waiting for CBA resolution or using smaller, hedgeable positions until full rosters and schedules are confirmed.

Outlook

The WNBA enters an offseason with enormous potential for growth and upheaval. A transformative CBA could accelerate salary gains and reshape competitive balance, while a lockout would complicate preparation and delay expansion mechanics. Teams, players and bettors alike will be watching the clock as October 31 approaches.

Salaries, revenue share and scheduling details are important issues in the CBA negotiations.

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