This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatuses for determining whether a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) is to be transmitted, and a configuration for transmission of the CSI-RS on a wideband based on an outcome of a listen-before-talk (LBT) operation in multiple sub-bands of the wideband. In one aspect, a base station may transmit sub-band usage information indicating sub-band availability before the CSI-RS, thereby allowing a user equipment (UE) to determine whether the CSI-RS will be transmitted and, if so, on which sub-bands the CSI-RS will be transmitted. Furthermore, rate matching configurations are provided based on whether sub-band usage has been received, based on which sub-bands are available. Still further, power configurations and resource element selection criteria are provided for wideband CSI-RS and CSI feedback.