INDIANAPOLIS -- Following a crucial meeting with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert and ownership representatives, players attending the All-Star Weekend voiced their disappointment, labeling the gathering a missed opportunity. Despite this, there remains a glimmer of hope for more productive discussions as both parties strive for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
On Friday, players addressed the media at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, reflecting on Thursday's meeting that saw participation from at least 40 WNBA players. With the players' union opting out of the current CBA last fall, which was enacted in 2020, the goal is to finalize a new agreement by October. The urgency is heightened as the WNBA calendar requires a timely resolution, especially with an expansion draft planned for new franchises in Portland and Toronto ahead of the 2026 season.
All-Star team captain Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx emphasized the tight timeline, stating, "We're on a time crunch. No one wants a lockout." Collier acknowledged the necessity of standing firmly on certain issues, expressing hope that the league would engage in further dialogue. "Hopefully, the league comes back quickly so that we can have more conversations and get the ball rolling," she added.
Union president Nneka Ogwumike of the Seattle Storm expressed her disappointment that the strong player turnout did not yield more productive outcomes. "This was a very historical way for players to show up, and they understood how big the moment was," Ogwumike remarked. She noted the unlikely prospect of replicating such a turnout in future meetings.
While players identified family planning and retirement benefits as areas of potential agreement, they acknowledged significant gaps remain on critical topics such as revenue sharing, salary structure, and prioritization. The latter refers to the league's desire for players to prioritize WNBA commitments over participation in other leagues, including overseas leagues and American-based leagues like Unrivaled and Athletes Unlimited.
Since the WNBA's inception in 1997, many players have supplemented their income by playing abroad during the offseason. This issue became a focal point in previous CBA negotiations, as league owners sought stricter commitments from players starting from training camp. Gabby Williams of the Seattle Storm remarked on the league's apparent desire for exclusivity while highlighting that "you can't have exclusivity without paying for it."
The players arrived at Thursday's meeting with lingering concerns about the league's slow response to their proposal submitted five months prior. The initial proposal and a follow-up were sent in February, with the league only responding on June 13. All-Star Breanna Stewart commented on the missed opportunity for deeper discussions, stating, "I think, to be frank, it was a wasted opportunity. We could have really delved into everything." She noted the stark differences between their initial offer and the league's counteroffer.
Fellow All-Star Sabrina Ionescu acknowledged the time constraints but remained optimistic about future discussions. "We were able to listen to Cathy and her team on how they obviously want the best for us," she said, emphasizing the need for both parties to find common ground.
The experience of union president Nneka Ogwumike, who previously held the same role during the 2020 CBA negotiations, is seen as a valuable asset. Alongside union executive director Terri Jackson and commissioner Engelbert, who has been in her position since the summer of 2019, they bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. However, the financial landscape of the league has shifted significantly since 2019, with franchise valuations soaring and a new television rights deal in place.
Given these changes, revenue sharing has emerged as a crucial point for players. "Rev sharing is truly transformational," said Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum. "We want a piece of the entire pie. Not a piece of part of the pie. We're a resilient group, and we understand the unity required to achieve our desired outcomes." Liberty guard Natasha Cloud highlighted the adversarial nature of negotiations, stating, "We're not going to be holding hands through the CBA. We're fighting for what we're due, what we're worth." She stressed the importance of finding common ground while refusing to accept less than what players deserve.
As discussions continue, both players and the league recognize the importance of collaboration while navigating the complexities of CBA negotiations. The future of the WNBA hinges on the ability to reach an agreement that satisfies both parties' needs and preserves the integrity of the league.
