WNBPA to take firm action against WNBA as CBA feud rages on

The current Collective Bargaining Agreement is set to expire after the 2025 season, but January 9 has emerged as a critical deadline in negotiations. According to the WNBPA, discussions with the league have stalled despite months of talks. Players believe that waiting any longer risks locking them into a system that does not reflect the league’s rapid growth. With training camps and the new season on the horizon, uncertainty is beginning to cloud what should be a moment of momentum for women’s basketball.

This week, that frustration turned into action. The WNBPA confirmed that 93 percent of all WNBA players participated in a historic vote, with 98 percent authorizing the union’s executive committee to call a strike if negotiations collapse. Union leaders described the vote as a show of unity rarely seen in professional sports. While it does not mean an immediate work stoppage, it significantly strengthens the players’ leverage and signals they are prepared to escalate if needed.

At the center of the dispute is money, but not in the simplistic way critics often frame it. Players are pushing for meaningful salary growth, stronger revenue sharing, and protections that reflect the league’s expanding commercial footprint. Attendance numbers, television ratings, sponsorship deals, and merchandise sales have all shown steady growth. Many players feel their pay has not kept pace with the value they help generate both on and off the court.

Several star players have spoken openly about the growing disconnect. New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart acknowledged that current negotiations are not producing results that match the league’s progress. She emphasized that players are no longer willing to accept promises without clear guarantees. For many veterans, the concern is not just about today’s salaries but about setting a fair standard for the next generation of players entering the league.

The WNBA, for its part, maintains that it is negotiating responsibly and with long term sustainability in mind. League officials have highlighted proposals such as an uncapped revenue sharing model that would allow salaries to grow alongside league earnings. They argue that financial stability is essential to avoid mistakes that have hurt other leagues in the past. However, players remain skeptical, fearing that vague future benefits may never fully materialize without firm commitments now.

As the May season start approaches, the pressure continues to mount on both sides. A prolonged labor dispute could overshadow the league’s recent gains and disrupt fan enthusiasm. For now, the strike authorization stands as a warning rather than a final move. But if no agreement is reached by January 9, the WNBPA has made it clear that players are ready to take stronger action to ensure they are valued as true partners in the league’s success.

Comment Section Prompt

Do you think the WNBA is doing enough to match player pay with the league’s growth, or is the WNBPA right to push harder now? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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