The deadline for the WNBA and its players to finalize a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is January 9, just days away. At the same time, the new season of Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 women’s basketball league started by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Niaee Collier, kicked off on Monday. While much of the recent coverage has focused on the excitement around Unrivaled, questions about the progress of CBA talks have also been highlighted.
As a co-founder of Unrivaled, Collier has taken on a significant media role. It was announced on New Year’s Day that she would miss the season to have surgery on both ankles, requiring a four to five month recovery period. Despite sitting out, Collier plans to continue her rehab at Unrivaled’s Miami facility. Her absence from playing means she will shift into a more ambassadorial role, offering valuable insight into the ongoing negotiations between the WNBPA and the league, helping fans understand the players’ perspective.
During Unrivaled’s opening night broadcast, Collier discussed the new season and CBA talks. She addressed reports that the WNBA claims the players’ latest proposal is financially unsustainable. She said, “Being on this side of Unrivaled, I know what it takes to run a sustainable business. So if we can’t find a model to do that, I think we need to have the people in place to do it.”
ESPN reported that the WNBA could face a $700 million loss if it accepts the WNBPA’s current proposal, warning this could threaten the league’s financial stability. Collier explained that Unrivaled has demonstrated greater earning potential in women’s sports, with higher average salaries than the WNBA’s initial offerings. One notable example was Paige Bueckers signing with Unrivaled, earning more in 10 weeks in Miami than her entire WNBA rookie contract.
According to a December 31 ESPN update by Alexa Philippou, significant gaps remain between the two sides on key issues. On January 2, ESPN noted that a deal by the deadline seems unlikely, pointing to possible scenarios such as an extension, work stoppage, or maintaining the status quo. The players’ association has already authorized the possibility of a strike if needed.
Collier remains optimistic that an agreement will be reached, stating on the Unrivaled broadcast, “We stand firm in what we believe in. We’re not going to back down and we can’t diminish that.” She added that compromising now would be a disservice to the players who came before them.
Many WNBA players are currently in Miami for Unrivaled, turning the city into an offseason hub. Last year, Unrivaled served as a base for free agency talks, and this year it’s also functioning as a satellite office for CBA negotiations.
With ongoing negotiation challenges threatening to delay, shorten, or cancel the 2026 WNBA season, Unrivaled may be the only opportunity for fans to watch these players compete this year.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for WNBA fans because the outcome of these negotiations will shape the future of the league and its players’ livelihoods. The rise of platforms like Unrivaled highlights the growing opportunities in women’s basketball, but a strong WNBA remains essential for the sport’s broader growth and visibility.
