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WNBA players express disappointment after CBA talks

Players described recent negotiations with the league as a missed opportunity.

July 18, 2025 at 08:52 PM

WNBA players standing firm after 'wasted' CBA talks with league

WNBA players felt Thursday's meeting with the league was a missed opportunity.

WNBA players express disappointment after CBA discussions

During All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, WNBA players voiced their dissatisfaction after a meeting with commissioner Cathy Engelbert and team owners. They deemed the gathering a missed opportunity to make progress on their collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Players, including All-Star captain Napheesa Collier, emphasized the urgency for a new agreement ahead of the upcoming expansion draft. They noted some consensus on issues like family planning and retirement benefits but significant gaps remain regarding revenue sharing and salary structures. Union president Nneka Ogwumike called for more substantial dialogue in future meetings, stressing the importance of their unity as they negotiate with the league's interests in mind.

Key Takeaways

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Players felt the meeting was a missed opportunity to improve negotiations.

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Time is critical as the current CBA expires soon.

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Key issues include revenue sharing and salary structures.

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Unity among players is stronger than ever during negotiations.

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Expansion plans add urgency to CBA discussions.

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Players express a desire for a fair share of league revenues.

"The meeting was good for the fact that we could be in the same room as the league."

Breanna Stewart reflects on the importance of dialogue despite disappointing outcomes.

"We're not going to be holding hands through the CBA."

Natasha Cloud emphasizes the adversarial nature of the negotiations.

"Rev sharing is truly transformational. We want a piece of the entire pie."

Kelsey Plum highlights the importance of revenue sharing for players' futures.

"No one wants a lockout. We have to stand firm."

Napheesa Collier stresses the urgency of reaching an agreement.

The recent meeting highlights the growing tension within the WNBA as players seek better conditions in their CBA negotiations. With franchise values soaring and expansion on the horizon, the stakes are high. Players are increasingly vocal about their need for equitable revenue sharing, suggesting that they are ready to push harder for what they believe they deserve. The league must respond quickly and effectively, or it risks losing more than just the trust of its players; it could also face a lockout scenario. As players emphasize their strength in numbers, the balance of power in these negotiations appears to be shifting, highlighting a new era of advocacy in women's sports.

Highlights

Players demand a bigger piece of the revenue pie.
Unity is our strength in negotiations.
We're standing firm on what we deserve.
Negotiations are tough, but we are tougher.

Ongoing risks in WNBA CBA talks

The negotiations around the WNBA's collective bargaining agreement may lead to significant backlash if player demands are not met. The potential for a lockout looms as urgency grows for an agreement before the expansion draft.

As discussions continue, both sides must find common ground to avoid a standoff.

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wnba cba playerrights sportsfinance womeninsports sports business women's rights

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