Impact of WNBA CBA on March Madness Scheduling

The WNBA and the Women's National Basketball Players Association have recently agreed to a 40-day extension of their collective bargaining agreement, pushing the deadline to January 9, 2026. This extension comes alongside a new proposal from the league that includes a significant increase in player salaries, with max contracts proposed to reach $1 million, an average salary above $500,000, and a minimum salary exceeding $225,000.

However, the new offer also suggests lengthening the WNBA season and eliminating housing subsidies for players, raising concerns about the impact on March Madness scheduling. The league's proposal indicates that training camps could start as early as mid-March 2026, which would coincide with the NCAA Tournament, creating a potential conflict for players transitioning from college to the professional level.

The NCAA Tournament typically runs from mid-March to early April, culminating with the Final Four. Traditionally, the WNBA draft occurs in mid-April, after the NCAA season has concluded, but an earlier start to training camps would necessitate rescheduling the draft, possibly to early March.

This shift could pressure collegiate players to make premature decisions about their basketball futures. The logistics of drafting players who are still competing in the NCAA Tournament raise questions about their availability and readiness for WNBA training camps.

Furthermore, the proposed elimination of housing benefits, which currently provide players significant financial support, could result in a loss of $8,000 to $18,000 annually, depending on the team's location.

This would particularly affect players on minimum salaries who rely on these benefits. If the WNBA proceeds with this proposal, it risks alienating rookies and may inadvertently encourage players to pursue opportunities in competing leagues like Unrivaled, Athletes Unlimited, and the emerging Project B, which is set to launch in fall 2026.

The WNBA's prioritization clause already complicates the situation for international players and those involved in multiple leagues. Many players have expressed concerns that the proposed changes could make it harder for rookies to secure roster spots and diminish the overall talent pool in the league.

As negotiations continue, it remains unclear whether the WNBA will adjust its proposal in response to player feedback, but the current terms pose significant challenges for college basketball and its premier tournament, March Madness.