NEW YORK (AP) — The WNBA looks promising heading into the offseason after a banner year with record ratings, attendance and a first-time champion in New York. Soon after the confetti stopped falling on the sellout crowd at Barclays Center following Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, the league and its players turned their attention to 2025. Less than 24 hours after Sunday night's game and days before the Liberty's championship parade on Thursday, the players' union opted out of the current collective bargaining agreement.
The decision was expected with a new 11-year media rights deal worth approximately $200 million per year beginning in 2026. The players are looking for a bigger share of the revenue pie among other things, including pensions and higher salaries. The current CBA will still be in effect throughout next season, but both sides would like to get a deal done sooner rather than later.
Negotiations are always intense, but everyone associated with the WNBA has much to be excited about. The league is expanding and will increase the number of regular season games to 44. The WNBA will hold an expansion draft for Golden State in December.
The Valkyries will be the league's 13th franchise. The league will add franchises in Toronto and Portland in 2026 with at least one other team starting in either 2027 or 2028. Though the WNBA could lose one of its iconic stars if Diana Taurasi announces her retirement , league officials are looking forward to another highly anticipated draft.
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