While the WNBA has set a fresh March 10 deadline for the WNBPA and the teams to agree on the CBA terms, the delayed timeline is forcing some tough conversations about the 2026 season, especially with a host of players expected to switch allegiances in the offseason.

The CBA terms have been a haggle so far, with expectations still far apart and neither side willing to adjust their demands significantly. This could affect the offseason proceedings and result in shorter preseason training. And that could ultimately result in a poorer brand of basketball early on, according to Chantel Jennings, senior basketball writer for The Athletic.

Jennings highlighted the potential impact of a shorter training camp in the latest episode of the No Offseason podcast, taking the Indiana Fever and their initial period with Caitlin Clark as an example of how bad things can be for new-look teams.

“I still don’t think there’s going to be a full WNBA training camp. I’m going to tell y’all right now, get ready to see some bad basketball. Okay? It’s going to be a little rough at the top of the season. You’re talking about a shorter training camp. You’re talking about new faces in new places with a shorter training camp.”

“Does anybody remember what the Indiana Fever looked like when Caitlin Clark first came? It was a little rough. And the main reason they told you was because there was little time to practice.”

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The Indiana Fever found this out the hard way after drafting Caitlin Clark as the first pick in 2024. The Indiana-based franchise struggled for a few games to establish its rhythm with Caitlin Clark as its new ball handler, as the Fever started the 2024 season with 3 defeats in its first 5 games. Despite a slow start, the Fever made their first postseason appearance since 2016.

Over 100 WNBA stars will test free agency this offseason, and plenty of players could look to switch teams. When you combine this reality with two new franchise teams and the WNBA Draft, teams could have a very different look going into the 2026 season.

The parties remain far apart on their CBA expectations, and even if they agree on new terms by the March 10 deadline, an impact on the training camp duration seems inevitable, assuming no further delays.

Sandy Brondello, head coach of the Toronto Tempo, one of the two new franchise teams, has already highlighted the problems their team could face because of the offseason delays caused by the moratorium as CBA negotiations continue. Teams now must deal with the possibility of a compromise in the quality of basketball in the early season.

It will be interesting to see how the teams adapt to this new possibility. For example, the Indiana Fever await the final salary cap figure in the CBA before they can plan their roster moves in the offseason.

While teams like the Fever navigate these complex financial realities, their star player, Caitlin Clark, is expanding her global brand in ways that underscore the league’s growing commercial appeal.

Caitlin Clark headlines the list of attendees at Milan Fashion Week

Caitlin Clark is no longer just a WNBA star but a brand in her own right. The spotlight continues to follow the 24-year-old as she makes jaw-dropping offseason moves away from the court. Caitlin has a penchant for surprising her fans with her offseason activities.

But her appearance at Milan Fashion Week would have surprised even her most ardent fans. The two-time All-Star attended Milan Fashion Week for Prada’s Fall 2026 Fashion Show and dazzled onlookers with her fashion statement.

The WNBA noted her appearance and posted the 24-year-old’s Milan Fashion Week images in a recent Instagram post with the caption “Caitlin Clark steps out for Milan Fashion Week.”

She sat in the front row at Milan Fashion Week as a brand ambassador for a global fashion brand like Prada, making another bold statement about her growing global popularity. Caitlin Clark wore a Prada belt as part of her fit, which featured a polo and an overcoat, and she capped it off with shades and a small bag.

As the 24-year-old continues to impress everyone with her on-court performances, her off-court star power is drawing global attention. While her off-court ventures draw headlines, Clark’s focus will soon return to the hardwood as she prepares for her U.S. National Team debut in the upcoming FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.