WNBA players appear to be developing internal divisions ahead of negotiations with the league. When it seemed that everything was under control, there are now signs suggesting the opposite.
With the next date for negotiating the collective bargaining agreement with the league approaching on March 10, 2026, it appears that nothing concrete has been established, and there is still no consensus among the league’s players.
There are just over two months left before the start of the 2026 WNBA season, but uncertainty dominates the conversation regarding what the players are asking for, what the league is willing to offer, and what each side may be prepared to concede for the ball to tip off this year.
Several voices have already begun criticizing the individuals who serve as representatives of the WNBPA, arguing that their intentions regarding the collective bargaining agreement have not been clearly communicated.
On this matter, journalist Zena Keita, who is widely known and carries a respected voice on the subject, spoke about the situation during the latest episode of the podcast No Offseason.
Zena Keita speaks about the stagnation of CBA negotiations
During the podcast, Keita discussed and questioned what was really happening in the ongoing negotiations and why there have been so many delays without reaching a solid agreement.
Regarding this topic, Sabreena Merchant also weighed in and highlighted an important point about the differing opinions among players, noting that not all athletes stand in the same position within the league and that some enjoy significantly stronger circumstances than others.
Every player in the WNBA has different priorities. You have the star level players who are probably very interested in what maximum level contracts look like… when you’re in the top 5% or the top 10% of WNBA players, you occupy a different space than everybody else.
There are certain issues that some players refuse to overlook, such as housing benefits. For many athletes, this is a priority, though it may not be for the league’s biggest stars who already earn higher salaries. Many players receive relatively modest pay and do not enjoy the lucrative endorsement deals that the most recognizable figures in the league obtain.
In a letter from a group of agents addressed to the WNBPA, several players said they feel excluded by the union during the negotiations currently taking place. Among those mentioned is Caitlin Clark, widely regarded as the league’s biggest star.
Kelsey Plum and Breanna Stewart, who serve as vice presidents, sent a multi-page letter to the union’s executive director, Terry Jackson. In it they expressed concern about the direction of the negotiations, specifically pointing to the lack of participation in drafting counterproposals and potential agreements.
The league, for its part, is not willing to discuss revenue sharing, a subject that has become central to the stalemate in negotiations. Despite that tension, the players have expressed their intention to play during the 2026 season, though they still hope a satisfactory agreement can eventually be reached.
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