The WNBA was able to increase its 2027 schedule to 50 regular season games Wednesday without seeking approval of the players’ union, but, according to its new CBA, the league must stick with 50 games again in 2028 and is limited to 52 regular season contests starting in 2029.
After an inspection of the CBA, obtained by SBJ, it is clear the league and the union had a give-and-take negotiation that provided the WNBA with the sole discretion to grow the regular season -- but included checks and balances to protect players from the grind.
For instance, knowing the season could grow by six games from 44 to 50 in 2027, a new provision in Article 20, Section 8 of the CBA called “Game Cadence” requires the league to space games out to prevent wear and tear on the players. Two specific points in the CBA, in that Game Cadence section, read as follows:
One of them states: “Prior to creating an initial draft of the game schedule each year, the WNBA will consult the Medical Director and Players Association with respect to issues relating to game cadence and player health.”
The other states: “The WNBA will make reasonable and good faith efforts, taking into account, among other things, the availability of arenas and the requirements of league media partners, to schedule Regular Season games (i) to manage the number of back-to-back games (i.e., games played by a Team on consecutive days) as much as possible, and (ii) to provide at least twenty (20) hours between the scheduled start of a Team’s first game of a back-to-back and the scheduled start of the Team’s second game of a back-to-back.”
Later in Article 20 -- which is titled Physical Condition, Medical Examinations and Injuries -- player wellness is protected by other provisions that require teams to secure the services of at least two lead physicians; to hire a regular athletic trainer and a full time assistant athletic trainer; to designate a director of sports medicine (which can be the lead physician or trainer); to employ a head strength and conditioning coach; to offer a certified nutritionist or dietician services; and hire a full time massage therapist.
Other requirements in Article 20, to enhance player health, is the ability for a player to receive a second medical opinion at the team’s expense and a “facility standards” section that is designed to give players access to the best playing conditions possible.
Under Article 20, Section 16 of the CBA, it states each team is required to provide players with access to a practice facility during the season (no later than start of 2028) that, among other amenities, includes “a separate weight room and cardio area that is available on a private and exclusive basis for the Team during its scheduled use; … includes a separate medical/treatment room with necessary accoutrements for professional basketball players that is available on a private and exclusive basis for the Team during its scheduled use; and …includes a designated, non-public, secure, and hygienic area for meals."
The two most obvious reasons for the schedule increase are, first, the three expansion franchises coming in 2028 (Cleveland), 2029 (Detroit) and 2030 (Philadelphia). But, even more immediate, it is the monetary upside. By adding six more games, both the league and the players -- as part of a CBA that gives players 20% of league and team revenue — will benefit from the ticket sales, sponsorships, etc.
“Demand for the WNBA has never been greater, and expanding to a 50-game regular season reflects the extraordinary momentum we are seeing across the league,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said of the 2027 schedule change.
Meanwhile, the 50-game schedule shouldn’t drastically alter the length of the season. According to the CBA, training camp cannot begin earlier than April 1 -- though generally it starts in mid-April -- and the season cannot end any later than Nov. 21, other than perhaps in 2028 when it can end last until Nov. 30 due to FIBA competitions.
