The future of WordPress is a topic of significant concern for both the community and industry, particularly following the events of the last two years surrounding contributors such as Automattic and changes to WordPress.org. Ongoing disputes, shifting contribution levels, and questions around governance have all contributed to growing uncertainty about where the platform is headed.
Matt Mullenweg’s Actions
Since September 2024, Matt Mullenweg and his company Automattic have been involved in a dispute with the hosting company WP Engine. Matt publicly criticised WP Engine for profiteering without contributing enough.
Matt Mullenweg made headlines by deactivating accounts of several community members on WordPress.org. This decision sparked controversy, raising questions about control and governance within WordPress.
In response, WP Engine sued after it was banned from accessing certain key WordPress resources. This legal battle escalated when a court ruled that WordPress must restore WP Engine’s access.
Automattic’s Contribution Hours
Automattic has long been the largest single contributor to the open-source WordPress project. However, it announced that it would significantly reduce the number of hours its staff dedicate to contributing to WordPress.org.
This reduction raises several potential concerns, including:
- Loss of expertise and documentation support
- Slower security updates and development cycles
- The possibility of a widening gap between WordPress.com and WordPress.org
- Increased strain on volunteer contributors
- Governance challenges as fewer resources are allocated to core development
Although Automattic indicated it would remain involved, the decrease in contribution hours has created uncertainty about the long-term sustainability of WordPress’s open-source foundations.
What the Future Looks Like
So, what can we expect to see from WordPress in the future?
Looking ahead into 2026 and beyond, several outcomes could emerge based on how the current issues unfold. While no immediate drastic changes are expected, the following possibilities have become increasingly discussed within the community:
1. Matt Encourages Closer Collaboration With the Community
Matt has always emphasised the importance of open-source collaboration, and we could expect to see him work more closely with the WordPress community. This would be the ideal outcome, but it is fairly unlikely.
2. Community-Led Fork of WordPress
If dissatisfaction continues, community members or organisations may ultimately choose to fork WordPress, creating a new alternative platform with its own governance structure and vision. While forking poses risks such as fragmentation and compatibility issues, it could offer long-term benefits if driven by a strong, unified group.
3. A More Commercially Driven WordPress
Another possibility is that WordPress gradually becomes more commercially oriented under Automattic’s leadership, with reduced emphasis on community governance. This could lead to a more streamlined and enterprise-
focused platform, appealing to larger businesses and improving commercial stability.
However, a shift toward commercialisation may weaken the open-source identity that helped WordPress grow. Reduced community involvement could also limit innovation, flexibility, and transparency.
In Summary
With ongoing disputes, leadership concerns and fluctuating contribution levels, the future of WordPress is more unpredictable than ever. Decisions made over the coming months and years will play a crucial role in shaping the platform’s direction, governance model, and commitment to its open-source origins.
While WordPress is unlikely to undergo sudden changes, users, developers, and businesses should be prepared for potential shifts in how the platform operates. The next phase of WordPress’s evolution will determine whether it continues as a community-driven project or moves toward a more centralised, commercially guided future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has governance become a major concern for the WordPress community?
Governance has become a concern because recent events have highlighted how much decision-making power sits with a small number of individuals and organisations. This has prompted wider discussion about transparency, checks and balances, and how the community can meaningfully influence WordPress’s future direction.
Does the uncertainty around WordPress affect businesses using the platform?
At present, most businesses will not notice any immediate disruption. However, uncertainty around governance and contribution levels can influence long-term planning, particularly for organisations that rely heavily on WordPress for revenue or mission-critical services. Agencies like ExtraDigital are monitoring these developments to help clients stay informed and prepared.
How could changes within WordPress impact developers and agencies?
Developers and agencies may need to adapt if contribution structures, governance models, or platform priorities shift. This could affect development workflows, plugin compatibility, and long-term support decisions, making it important to stay engaged with community discussions and updates.
What role does the wider community play in shaping WordPress’s future?
The wider community plays a critical role through contributions, advocacy, and participation in discussions around governance and direction. As corporate involvement fluctuates, community engagement may become even more important in maintaining the platform’s stability and open-source values.
Should WordPress users be planning for alternative platforms?
Most users do not need to take action right now, but awareness is key. Keeping an eye on how the situation evolves allows businesses to make informed decisions if circumstances change. Working with experienced partners such as ExtraDigital can help organisations assess risk and plan strategically without reacting prematurely.
