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Caitlin Clark appears to have an optimistic outlook on the WNBA’s CBA negotiations.
Clark was a special contributor on NBC’s debut broadcast of Sunday Night Basketball, and she was “very confident” that the WNBA and its union would be able to agree to a new CBA. The two sides are set to meet in New York City on Monday in a meeting.
“There’s a meeting tomorrow that’s super important,” Clark said. “And I truly do believe we’re going to get something done here in the next couple of weeks.”
WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike is expected to attend the meeting alongside union vice presidents Kelsey Plum and Napheesa Collier. It’s unclear whether Clark will attend the meeting—though her appearance on NBC’s pregame show at Madison Square Garden indicates she is in New York.
Clark’s prediction on the timing of the deal coming in the next few weeks would be important for the WNBA season to start as scheduled. Despite the lack of a CBA, the WNBA announced its 2026 schedule in mid-January with opening night slated for May 8.
Other League Matters
Between a CBA agreement and the season opener, the league will need to hold the WNBA draft and the expansion draft for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. They will also need to provide an ample period for free agency, especially as the majority of players are free agents.
Last offseason’s expansion draft for the Golden State Valkyries was on Dec. 6, 2024. Free agency negotiations began in mid-January 2025, while players could officially begin signing in February. The WNBA draft is normally in April, about a week after the NCAA women’s national championship game.
“There’s a lot of things left to do but I really do feel confident that both sides are going to reach a deal here soon,” Clark said.
Clark will return to NBC as a Sunday Night Basketball special contributor on March 29.
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