On Monday, the WNBA and its players’ union met for the first time in 2026 to resume negotiations aimed at maintaining the “status quo” regarding the collective bargaining agreement. Although talks had been ongoing since October, they concluded without any major breakthroughs. As reported by The Athletic, the last official proposal was put forward by the WNBPA in December, but the league has yet to provide a formal response.
Since the negotiations began, players have openly voiced their frustrations with the league. During the WNBA Playoffs late last September, WNBPA Vice President Napheesa Collier described WNBA Commissioner Kathy Engelbert’s leadership as “the worst in the world.” At a press conference last Friday, New York Freedom Guards’ Natasha Cloud addressed the league directly, stating, “We’re not moving until you guys move.” Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham criticized the league for its lack of action following Monday’s meeting, calling the WNBA “the laughing stock of the sports world.”
As discussions drag on and players’ discontent remains vocal, some criticism has shifted towards the players themselves. Former WNBA star Rebecca Lobo, speaking on Sue Bird’s podcast on January 16, expressed that the league’s latest offer is reasonable and that the players’ reaction has been unnecessarily harsh. Lobo remarked, “Some of the rhetoric from their side has been concerning. When you’re presented with a deal offering a $1 million cap in salary plus a revenue share, calling it a ‘slap in the face’—to put it mildly—is troubling. I’m worried the players could lose public support, which has been crucial throughout this process.”
The key issue WNBA players need to focus on right now is their tone, echoing a comment from Sato Sabally last July. When asked about the league’s plan to add three expansion teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, Sabally emphasized his desire to concentrate on negotiating how the new collective bargaining agreement would impact current players.
While the players’ blunt statements highlight genuine economic challenges, they also reflect the reality that WNBA players earn less than female athletes in other sports despite growing interest. The Athletic recently examined Forbes’ list of the highest-paid female athletes in 2025, noting Eileen Gu, a two-time Olympic gold medalist skier, stood out as the fourth highest-paid female athlete globally. Remarkably, only $100,000 of her $23.1 million earnings came from competition; the majority came through endorsements.
Similarly, the top basketball player on the list, Caitlin Clark, who ranks 11th, earned $12.1 million in 2025, but only $100,000 was from on-court play—the rest came from endorsements. Paige Bueckers follows the same pattern with $9.1 million total earnings, including $100,000 from the court and the rest from sponsorships.
The pattern holds for other WNBA players too. Sabrina Ionescu earned $10.5 million, with just $500,000 coming from her league salary, and Angel Reese made $9.4 million, including $400,000 on the court. The only other athlete with similar low on-field earnings was Ilona Maher, a former Olympic bronze medalist in rugby, who earned just $100,000 from play but ranked 20th overall with $8.1 million.
This comparison underscores the disparities in the WNBA’s pay framework. Even the sport’s biggest stars, who are driving fan engagement and ushering in a new era for women’s basketball, depend heavily on endorsements rather than league salaries. Until this pay gap is addressed, CBA negotiations should prioritize improving the compensation structure over focusing on player tone or public rhetoric.
Fan Take:
This ongoing negotiation highlights crucial issues beyond just dollars—it’s about respect and recognition for WNBA players who are driving the sport’s growth. How these talks conclude could reshape not only player earnings but also the future popularity and sustainability of women’s professional basketball.
