WNBA releases schedules while still negotiating CBA

Sport & Story Daily January 23, 2026: The 2026 WNBA schedules were released even though CBA negotiations continue.

Author

Kelsey Middleton
January 23, 2026

WNBA releases schedules while still negotiating CBA

January 23, 2026

WNBA releases 2026 schedule amid CBA talks
The WNBA released the 2026 schedule. The start date is earlier by one week. During CBA negotiations, sources have said the WNBA has proposed opening training camps in March (presumably before the college season is over) and extending the season into November -- potentially overlapping with other leagues such as Unrivaled and Project B.
Sports Business Journal

Big names in tennis call in bankers for massive overhaul of the sport
The Professional Tennis Players Association, founded by Novak Djokovic and backed by billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, asked investment banks and other financial advisory firms for advice on creating a new structure and valuation for professional tennis. A dispute about player pay and how tennis is organized has roiled the sport for months. If successful, the proposal would be the most significant overhaul of the sport since the start of the open era in 1968.
AFR

Cody Bellinger re-signs with Yankees on $162.5 million contract after free agency saga
Cody Bellinger and the Yankees came to a contract agreement. The deal is for $162.5 million over five years. This includes opt-outs after the second and third years, as well as a $20 million signing bonus. Bellinger was considered the second-best position player available this offseason and he’ll again be part of an outfield consisting of Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham, who is back with the Yankees after accepting the $22 million qualifying offer.
New York Post

The improvements still to come for checkout-free tech in sports
Checkout-free tech has made its way into sports arenas. The technology in the stores has improved to require fewer cameras, the time to build it takes between weeks and months, and the installation price is low. One concern is when technology becomes offline due to outages. An offline mode will allow the shopping spaces to remain operational even when facing some of the technical difficulties like this in the future.
Sports Business Journal

Paramount Introduces Programmatic Access to Marquee Live Sports on Paramount+
Paramount will be offering live, in-game programmatic buying for select commercial ad units within marquee sporting events. It will kick off with UFC’s Paramount+ debut on Jan. 24. Programmatic inventory availability will complement the success of Streaming Fixed Units to deliver high-impact visibility built around Paramount+'s most coveted sports programming.
Paramount

In focus: Romania’s trailblazing Dracula Land Arena
A multi-purpose arena near Bucharest is being billed as one of Europe’s most expensive privately-funded entertainment projects. The Dracula Land Arena will be set within the wider Dracula Land complex. The arena will have a capacity of 22,500. There will also be a 1,000-seat Digital Arena that will be used for esports and other events. The main arena is poised to become Romania’s first world-class venue for major sports, concerts and digital events.
The Stadium Business

PFL Founder Donn Davis Stepping Down As Chairman
Donn Davis was the founder and chairman of the Professional Fighters League. It first launched in June 2018. Davis expanded the PFL to PFL Africa, PFL MENA and PFL Europe. Now, Davis is stepping down as PFL chairman and will be leaving the company as a whole.
Body Slam

Asheville Tourists. Director of Special Events
The Asheville Tourists are completing a $40 million renovation of McCormick Field, transforming the venue into a year-round destination for events beyond baseball. The Director of Special Events is a newly created position responsible for generating revenue and leading the booking, planning, and execution of all non-Tourists events at the ballpark. Apply Now.

Sarasota Paradise. Communications and PR Specialist
We're seeking a proactive Communications and PR Specialist to lead our external storytelling and media efforts as we build brand awareness in the Sarasota-Manatee region and beyond. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role is pivotal in a startup environment, where you'll work closely with departments like Marketing, Operations, and Sales. This is a full-time position ideal for someone with a small business mindset who thrives in fast-paced ops and traditional sports values, focusing on press relations, releases, email newsletters, and influencer marketing—no social media management required. Expect cut-through-the-noise execution to drive real results in a lean team. Apply Now.

Los Angeles Lakers. Manager, Global Social & Digital Growth
The Manager of Global Social and Digital Growth is responsible for driving global awareness of the Lakers brand and growing fandom internationally at a rapid scale. The ideal candidate is a paid media expert who understands how to effectively utilize paid placements across social and digital platforms to reach new global audiences. The role will keep a pulse on and understand cultural trends and nuances within priority international markets to drive international fan engagement. As part of the larger Integrated Marketing plans, this role will promote key marketing initiatives such as tentpoles, seasonal milestones, and cultural moments within priority international markets with support and guidance from Brand Strategy, Marketing Operations, and the broader Integrated Marketing team. Apply Now.

Looking to fill an open position with top talent in the sports media industry? Advertise in the Sport & Story Daily to reach over 25,000 senior-level executives and professionals—and connect your job opportunity with the right audience.

College Football’s Billionaire Era Is Officially Here
Mark Cuban is a billionaire, television personality and minor owner of the Dallas Mavericks. Cuban, Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti and AD Scott Dolson are all very close. Cuban recently made a donation to the football team, but he declined to say how much it was for. He is now more than just a famous alum or someone who helped pay for an athletics facility. Cuban is helping fund player compensation directly.
Front Office Sports

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