As the WNBA approaches the end of its current CBA, negotiations have reached a critical point. With less than three weeks remaining, discussions between the league and the players’ union remain unresolved, and frustration among players continues to grow.
Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams has emerged as one of the most outspoken voices during this period.
Appearing on a StudBudz livestream, the All-Star guard criticized what she described as a financial structure that leaves players behind while the league secures its own stability first.
“They don’t care about nothing. I’m not gonna lie. It’s crazy. The league wants to pay themselves first before they pay us,” Williams said.
“When they pay themselves, it leaves less than 30 percent for us to spread. So they want to pay themselves first, and then whatever is left, they want us to split with them.”
Williams also highlighted concerns about stagnant player earnings, even as league revenue grows.
“They want us to stay at that, less than 15 each year. So if the league grows in ’26, ’27, ’28, ’29, ’30, we stay at that, less than 15 the whole way through.”
Union proposal ties salaries directly to league revenue
Under the league’s current proposal, only a portion of total revenue would qualify for sharing, which could significantly limit how much players actually receive.
Over time, that share could shrink further despite projected growth.
In response, the players’ union has introduced an alternative plan that would base the salary cap on overall league revenue from the previous season.
After accounting for benefits such as housing, transportation, and medical coverage, the remaining amount would be distributed evenly across teams. The union has also called for mandatory audits to ensure transparency.
Their proposal would start players at 29 percent of revenue, with annual increases reaching 34 percent by the final year.
However, the league has yet to accept those terms, raising the possibility of a strike if progress stalls.
While younger stars are not leading negotiations, Caitlin Clark understands the stakes. Speaking at her first Team USA training camp, she emphasized the importance of preserving the league’s momentum.
“This is the biggest moment the WNBA has ever seen, and it’s not something that can be messed up, and we’re going to fight for everything that we deserve,” Clark said. “At the same time, we need to play basketball.”
With the deadline fast approaching, the future of the 2026 season, and the league itself, hangs in the balance.
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