WNBA changing possible end date to Nov. 21 under new CBA - ESPN

Under the new WNBA collective bargaining agreement, the league is changing its latest possible end date to Nov. 21, which is nearly a month later than the previous deal, according to a document produced by the union and acquired by ESPN.

In 2028, the season could stretch to Nov. 30 because of the Olympics schedule, the document said. This is the latest the WNBA season has ever extended.

Starting in 2027, the number of possible games played will increase to up to 50, and then to 52 by 2029.

Part of the expanded calendar can be attributed to expansion. Toronto and Portland are joining the league this season. By 2030, the league will be up to a record 18 teams as commissioner Cathy Engelbert continues to stress the importance of expanding the league's scheduling footprint.

Players will also be required to report to their respective teams earlier. Under the new CBA, beginning in 2027, players must arrive to their home markets by the later of April 15 or the start of training camp. Previously, the report date was the later of May 1 or the start of camp.

Both the late November end date and the possible earlier report date could impact players who play overseas during the offseason, including those signed to Project B, which is scheduled to take place from November 2026 until April 2027. The upcoming international five-on-five league has not announced the dates for its opening and closing tournaments yet, but it will make a tour stop in Tokyo from March 26 to April 4.

The latest possible end date in the last CBA was Oct. 31, with a maximum of 44 games allowed. The earliest possible start date to the basketball calendar remains unchanged at April 1.

The document also shed light on a variety of other issues at the crux of CBA