Methods and systems are disclosed for performing contention based uplink (UL) orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA). The method may include receiving, from an access point using a channel, a first signal including an indication of a first time and a plurality of sub-channels of the channel. The method may include modifying a counter value in response to determining that the first time has been reached. The method may include selecting a sub-channel of the plurality of sub-channels in response to determining the counter value is equal to a threshold value. The method may include transmitting a second signal to the access point using the sub-channel. The methods and systems disclosed herein may be used by stations to associate with the access point.