WNBA, WNBPA call moratorium on league business as CBA negotiations go on

The WNBA and WNBPA have agreed on a moratorium for league business, the league confirmed to USA TODAY Sports on Monday, Jan. 12.

The WNBA collective bargaining agreement expired on Friday, Jan. 9, and the league and players’ union have entered into a status quo period. Player benefits continue at this time, but a lockout or strike can be declared without notice.Because the current CBA is still under affect, the WNBA had an obligation to allow clubs to send qualifying offers under the agreement because of U.S. labor law. According a person with knowledge of the situation, GMs and executives from every franchise were called by the WNBA to let them know the status quo period would allow for qualifying offers to free agents beginning on Jan. 11. Any offer would be under the old CBA, so it would have been purely procedural to stay in line with labor laws.

Late Friday, the WNBPA asked for the moratorium on league business and it was accepted by the league on Monday afternoon. It applies to free agency, including qualifying offers, core designations, signings and negotiations. When a new collective bargaining agreement is ratified, the moratorium will cease.