WNBPA Updates CBA Talks, Says WNBA 'Fails to Address the Priorities We've Voiced'

Representatives for the WNBA and the Women's National Basketball Players Association met Thursday in Indianapolis ahead of the league's All-Star Weekend to continue their labor negotiations with the collective bargaining agreement set to expire after the ongoing season, but it doesn't seem like much progress was made.

Annie Costabile of Front Office Sports shared a statement from a union spokesperson that called out the league for what the WNBPA sees as an inadequate response to the situation:

"The WNBA's response to our proposals fails to address the priorities we've voiced from the day we opted out: a transformational CBA that delivers our rightful share of the business that we've built, improves working conditions, and ensures the success we create lifts both today's players and the generations that follow," the statement said, in part.

"We've told the League and teams exactly why their proposal falls so short. This business is booming—media rights, ratings, revenue, team valuations, expansion fees, attendance, and ticket sales—are all up in historic fashion. But short-changing the working women who make this business profitable stalls growth. The only thing more unsustainable than the current system is pretending it can go on forever."

More than 40 players were in attendance, which made it the "largest in-person player turnout in Union history during CBA negotiations."

The statement echoes comments from Phoenix Mercury star and WNBPA player representative Satou Sabally earlier this month when she said the WNBA's proposal was a "slap in the face,"  per Colin Salao of Front Office Sports.

Madeline Kenney of the New York Post reported Tuesday that players were "bracing for a work stoppage if the pace of talks doesn't ramp up exponentially in the near future."

As Thursday's statement pointed out, the WNBA is seemingly moving forward with plenty of momentum and revenue-generating opportunities.

The league set attendance and viewership records last year and added the Golden State Valkyries as an expansion franchise starting this season. What's more, the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire will start play in 2026, the Cleveland expansion team will start play in 2028, the Detroit expansion team will start play in 2029, and the Philadelphia expansion team will start play in 2030.

The WNBA is booming, there is plenty of star power across the league, and attendance and television ratings remain high, but the league's momentum is in a precarious position until the two sides can agree to a new CBA.