WNBA Trade Deadline Hits Ahead of Looming CBA Chaos

August 5, 2025

The WNBA trade deadline is Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, and it’s particularly intriguing given the backdrop of the league’s CBA negotiations.

About 80% of the league’s players will be free agents next offseason in preparation for a huge increase in the salary cap and player salaries (assuming a work stoppage doesn’t derail the 2026 season). Theoretically, that could result in a ton of movement given the potential for chaos in the offseason.

However, trades could also be viewed as riskier since teams who part ways with draft capital or young talent may do so for a player who bolts in free agency.

Any moves before Thursday afternoon could also factor into the decision-making of a team’s pool of protected players for the expansion draft for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire. FOS

However, trades could also be viewed as riskier since teams who part ways with draft capital or young talent may do so for a player who bolts in free agency.

Any moves before Thursday afternoon could also factor into the decision-making of a team’s pool of protected players for the expansion draft for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire.