Sunday brought a wave of nostalgia for WNBA fans, as NBC announced its return to broadcasting the league nearly 25 years after airing its first games from 1997 to 2002.
The network’s promotional video featured stars like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese, with the caption: “IYKYK. The WNBA is coming to NBC and Peacock!”
Fans cheered for the historic partnership, part of a multi-billion-dollar NBA media deal signed in 2023-but excitement was tempered by a bigger concern: the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations between the WNBA and its players.
Negotiations have been ongoing since last season’s All-Star break, and players have expressed frustration over what they see as insufficient compensation. The league missed its October deadline for a new agreement, and many fans are now questioning whether the schedule release and NBC’s broadcast plans should take priority over fairly paying the athletes.
“Is there a CBA where the players get their money’s worth?” one fan asked online, echoing a sentiment shared widely across social media. During last year’s All-Star Game, the crowd’s chant of “Pay them!” when Commissioner Cathy Engelbert handed Napheesa Collier the MVP award highlighted just how strongly fans support the players’ push for fair compensation.
Another season-ticket holder wrote, “Not if the league doesn’t get serious about paying the players. I’m a season ticket holder and fully support a work stoppage if that’s what’s necessary for the players to get a CBA that appropriately values their labor.”
Despite the fan pushback, the WNBA has already released its calendar for the 2026 season. But with negotiations still unresolved, questions remain about whether the season will start on time or at all.
According to reports, the league has submitted new proposals, including concessions on housing and facility standards. However, revenue sharing-a major point of contention-has yet to be addressed. “Will the WNBA pay the players what they deserve first?!” one fan demanded.
Star players remain committed amid ongoing CBA talks
Several WNBA stars have made it clear that they want to play in the 2026 season, including Caitlin Clark, Breanna Stewart, and WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike. Yet, none of them have signaled a willingness to take the court if fair agreements are not in place.
Napheesa Collier, known affectionately as “Queen Phee,” openly criticized Commissioner Engelbert last year during her exit interview, revealing behind-the-scenes frustrations with the CBA process. Fans and fellow athletes rallied behind her, viewing Collier as a trusted voice for player rights.
Some supporters are even suggesting that NBC might need to take a more active role to ensure the league’s broadcast schedule aligns with fair labor agreements. “Then maybe you need to have a mediator in the room with the league and the players, in order to ensure you have a product to air,” one fan wrote.
As of today, the WNBA and its players still do not have a finalized agreement.
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