Overview
- Sophie Cunningham said talks are “heading towards a lockout” and reported no substantive progress beyond weekly updates from the players’ association.
- Under the agreed status‑quo moratorium, teams cannot issue qualifying offers, apply core designations, or sign free agents as previous terms remain in place.
- Reported league terms feature a net‑revenue model with major raises, including a $1 million maximum base salary that could reach $1.3 million, average pay above $530,000, and a first‑year minimum near $250,000.
- The union seeks roughly 30% of gross revenue and a team cap near $10.5 million, a framework the league has described as financially unsustainable.
- Natasha Cloud pointed to Unrivaled as a potential training and playing option if needed, as some players join Unrivaled or Athletes Unlimited, while analysts note a work stoppage could limit access to team facilities and heighten injury risks.