Since I began my article about the WNBA’s recently announced expansion teams with a reflection on league history, I’m going to toss out another blast from the past. I remember when the WNBA Draft was postponed and then abruptly scheduled at the 11th hour when an agreement was finally reached on a collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The year was 2003 and given less than 24 hours notice, only six players were flown in to attend the draft.
One of two members of the media in attendance, I share this memory to say, I think we may be facing that again in 2026 despite this being a very different WNBA landscape. The top pick of that 2003 WNBA Draft, LaToya Thomas, was chosen by the Cleveland Rockers, a team that folded at the end of that season. Today, we see a WNBA with robust attendance, dynamic sponsor agreements, charter flights, and a very lucrative TV deal. So, what’s the problem?
According to reports, the league and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) remain far apart on the terms of a new CBA. Players want better pay, a greater share of the league’s revenue, improved health benefits, greater flexibility in scheduling, and other things related to their work experience.
Signed in 2020, the current CBA could remain in effect until 2027, but the WNBPA exercised the right to opt out at the close of the 2025 season. When a veteran player sees a packed arena full of cheering fans while earning a base salary of less than $80,000 a season, she has reason to feel frustrated. Even a player earning the maximum of $249,244 rightfully believes she deserves more.
Players, including Breanna Stewart (WNBPA vice president) of the New York Liberty, expressed frustration with the WNBA’s offer. Despite success, the league is still navigating financial realities, including huge investments made over decades when red ink was flowing. But it’s hard for players to accept that argument when figures like the average valuation of a WNBA team — $269 million — are being discussed. That’s a tough pill to swallow for players simply asking for rosters to be expanded by a few spots.
Perhaps the most intriguing element is how the overall women’s professional game is growing. Stewart and Napheesa Collier (also a WNBPA vice president) of the Minnesota Lynx co-founded Unrivaled, an innovative 3×3 league that debuted this past winter. Their commitment to their new league caused one fan to publicly speculate that they had a conflict of interest when negotiating with the WNBA. With a dollop of sarcasm, Collier assured the fan that wasn’t the case.
Professional athletes competing before sold out crowds should be able to earn a wage reflective of the product they’re delivering. While everyone needs to respect the league’s longevity despite daunting challenges, the WNBA needs to reset its mindset to current circumstances. Meetings are scheduled during this weekend’s All-Star Game festivities.