The WNBA faces a growing crisis as key stars vote to strike over a new CBA, with a looming lockout threatening Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham and the season.
The WNBA and its Players Association have both issued statements
WNBA stars have voted in favor of a potential strike as tense negotiations continue between the Players Association and the league.
Labor talks have been ongoing amid unhappiness regarding the collective bargaining agreement.
Caitlin Clark appears at last year’s WNBA All-Star Game
Sophie Cunningham is one of the leading stars in the WNBA
Per ESPN, key issues include player salaries and the revenue-sharing model – in addition to facilities, travel and retirement plans.
In a landslide victory for the Players Association, its members voted overwhelmingly to authorize it to call a strike if they feel it necessary.
They claim that 93 per cent of eligible players took part in the vote – with 98 per cent in favor.
A Players Association statement read, “The players have spoken.
“Through a decisive vote with historic participation, our membership has authorized the WNBPA’s (seven-member) Executive Committee to call a strike when necessary.
“The players’ decision is an unavoidable response to the state of negotiations with the WNBA and its teams.”
The Players Association then went on to claim that they do not intend to pursue a strike – but that the option is now there.
Its statement went on to add, “Time and again, the players’ thoughtful and reasonable approach has been met by the WNBA and its teams with a resistance to change and a recommitment to the draconian provisions that have unfairly restricted players for nearly three decades.
“The players’ vote is neither a call for an immediate strike nor an intention to pursue one.
“Rather, it is an emphatic affirmation of the players’ confidence in their leadership and their unwavering solidarity against ongoing efforts to divide, conquer, and undervalue them.”
A WNBA statement subsequently went on to refute claims regarding the nature of negotiations.
It read, “While we acknowledge the players’ right to authorize a future work stoppage, we strongly disagree with the WNBPA’s characterization of the current state of negotiations, which fundamentally misrepresents the ongoing discussions taking place at the bargaining table.
“It is difficult to understand claims that the league is resistant to change, particularly given that we are proposing numerous CBA modifications including significant immediate salary increases and a new uncapped revenue-sharing model that would ensure continued salary growth tied to revenue growth.”
The statement went on to add, “We have negotiated in good faith and with urgency, and remain focused on finalizing a new collective bargaining agreement that not only meaningfully enhances player pay, benefits, and experience.
“But also does so in a way that ensures the long-term growth of the game and the league’s capacity to serve the next generation of WNBA players.”
STATE OF PLAY
The WNBA is set to enter its 30th season in 2026.
It has never experienced a lockout before, like those that have been seen in the NBA.
Two NBA lockouts have prompted shortened seasons.
The 1998-99 season was shortened to 50 games, with the All-Star Game also scrapped.
While the 2011-12 campaign was reduced to 66 games and didn’t start until Christmas Day.
