The WNBA and its players’ union remain at an impasse over a new collective bargaining agreement, leaving free agency frozen and the Aces’ championship core in limbo. Negotiations have stalled primarily on revenue sharing: the league offers players about 10% of revenue, while the union is seeking 30% of gross revenue with a $10.5 million salary cap. The league’s counterproposal reportedly offered 70% of net revenue and a $5 million cap.
After two extensions past the original Oct. 31 deadline, both sides agreed to a moratorium on free agency business on Jan. 12. That pause delayed the qualifying offer period that was set to open Jan. 21, and the Feb. 1 start date for free agent signings is also likely to be postponed. The expansion draft for new teams Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire remains unresolved; last year, Golden State Valkyries selected Aces rookie Kate Martin in the expansion draft on Dec. 6, 2024.
The Aces face an especially uncertain offseason because most players declined multiyear deals in anticipation of higher pay under a new CBA. Jewell Loyd is an unrestricted free agent who cannot be core-tagged due to having received the designation twice. A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kiah Stokes, Megan Gustafson, Dana Evans, and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus are also unrestricted free agents. NaLyssa Smith and Kierstan Bell are restricted free agents. Rookie-scale player Aaliyah Nye is the only Aces player under contract. The team holds only second- and third-round picks in the upcoming draft.
Both sides could trigger a work stoppage. The WNBPA voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike last month, while sources indicate owners are unlikely to initiate a lockout. The union has accused the league of lacking “spirit and seriousness” and preserving “regressive provisions,” while the league says its priority is a deal that “significantly increases player salaries” and supports long-term growth.
