WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert remains optimistic that a new labor deal will be struck, and in a press conference ahead of Saturday night’s all-star game, she sounded confident that the league will avoid a work stoppage with three months until the deadline for a new collective bargaining agreement.

The league sits at the precipice of a pivotal financial fork in the road in the form of negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. The WNBA and its players boast enviable momentum and a great product. They can’t afford to squander those favorable conditions with squabbling and a work stoppage in 2026.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert feels optimistic that the league and the players' union will be able to come to a new collective bargaining agreement at some point, even if it's after the end of October deadline.

While the players union and WNBA have met over negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, the players made a statement during warmups.

The players' union and the league will meet in-person for the second time since starting negotiations for the collective bargaining agreement, a process that has been contentious so far.

The WNBPA said it won't back down from its demands but is committed to returning to the negotiating table.

Before the paid appearances, fashion moments and boozy parties, WNBA players are huddling up for a critical collective bargaining meeting ahead of the All-Star Game in Indianapolis. On Thursday afternoon,

The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement is set to expire Oct. 31. If the league and players don’t reach a new deal by then, a work stoppage could begin.