The WNBA could be heading toward a major labor standoff, with players reportedly considering a strike if their demands for better pay and benefits aren’t met. Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese and Dallas Wings guard Dijonai Carrington made it clear that a work stoppage is on the table as the league heads toward a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) battle.
During a recent episode of Reese’s podcast, Unapologetically Angel, the two stars didn’t mince words about the growing frustration among players regarding low salaries, limited revenue sharing, and the restrictive salary cap.
Players Are Prepared to Sit Out
Reese, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year runner-up, revealed that many players are already discussing a possible strike if the league refuses to meet their demands.
“I need to be in the [players’ union] meetings because I’m hearing that if [the league] don’t give us what we want, we’re sitting out,” Reese told Carrington on her podcast.
“That’s a possibility, for real,” Carrington agreed, adding weight to the idea that WNBA stars are ready to take drastic action.
Carrington, who previously served as the union rep for the Connecticut Sun, has been deeply involved in CBA discussions. Reese, while not holding an official WNBPA position, has been vocal about player issues.
Other high-profile stars, including Brittney Griner and Satou Sabally, are also making strategic moves-signing one-year contracts to take advantage of the anticipated salary increases under the next CBA.
What the Players Want
The WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) has already opted out of the current CBA, meaning the current agreement will expire this fall instead of in 2027. This decision sets the stage for high-stakes negotiations between players and league officials.
Players are demanding a larger share of league revenue, the removal of the hard salary cap, and overall higher salaries, according to WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson.
Their case is strengthened by the league’s recent financial success. The WNBA just secured a $2.2 billion media rights deal with Disney, NBC, and Amazon, and expansion teams in San Francisco, Portland, and Toronto are set to bring in additional revenue.
Despite these gains, player salaries remain dramatically low compared to their NBA counterparts, fueling resentment among WNBA stars.
Could a Strike Actually Happen?
While no official strike vote has been taken, the players’ union holds significant leverage as the current CBA’s expiration looms. If the league doesn’t offer a more equitable deal, Reese and Carrington’s warning of a mass player sit-out could become reality.
With rising viewership, increased sponsorships, and expansion, the WNBA is at a critical turning point. The question remains: will the league fairly compensate the players who have fueled its growth, or will it risk a season-altering labor dispute?
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