The deadline for the WNBA and the WNBPA to agree upon a new Collective Bargaining Agreement passed on January 9th. Both parties reportedly remain far apart in their expectations for a new deal. And the early repercussions are being felt,

With the WNBA CBA now expired, many paths forward emerge.

On Friday night, 30 minutes before the deadline for a new collective bargaining agreement between the WNBA and its players union was set to pass, the WNBA Players Association released a statement blasting the league for its negotiating tactics and accusing it of trying to run out the clock.

The CBA expired Friday night without an extension, but both sides will continue negotiating under existing rules rather than triggering a strike or lockout.

The WNBA and its players' union weren't able to agree to a new collective bargaining agreement by the Friday night deadline.

In mid-December, the WNBPA authorized its executive committee to call for a strike “when necessary,” making it easier for the union to trigger a stoppage. The union said 93 percent of players participated in the vote, and 98 percent voted “yes.”

The WNBA and its players’ union paused as the deadline for a new collective bargaining agreement passed without a deal. According to CNN, rather than triggering an immediate shutdown, the missed deadline moves the league into a temporary holding pattern while negotiations continue under the existing agreement.

The WNBA proposed a free agent moratorium Friday night that would allow more than 100 free agents to negotiate tentative deals before a new CBA is ratified. But until the WNBPA decides, the teams can make qualifying offers at lower 2025 salary figures.