WNBA Stars Say Zero Progress Made at CBA Meeting

INDIANAPOLIS — The WNBA and Women’s National Basketball Players Association held their first in-person CBA meeting Thursday, one attended by more than 40 players. But the prevailing sentiment from players during All-Star media availability the morning after the meeting was that the two sides remain far apart.

Breanna Stewart, a two-time MVP and VP of the union, said “no” when asked whether any progress was made.  

“I think yesterday’s meeting was good for the fact that we could be in the same room as the league and the Board of Governors. But, I think, to be frank, it was a wasted opportunity,” Stewart told reporters, including Front Office Sports. 

Stewart said there was a ton of “fluff” in the meeting, and that the first 45 minutes were spent on introductions. WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike characterized the beginning of the meeting differently, saying there were introductions, but they did not last long. Both players added they don’t know when the next meeting will be, but that it won’t be in person due to the grueling WNBA schedule. WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson said there is another meeting on the docket, but declined to specify when. 

“I would say I don’t think any progress is made,” New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud said. “The players and our union really just prepared to allow them to see a forefront. A forefront that is not playing. A forefront that understands the worth, the value, and we’re going to continue to push for everything that we’ve earned. The word “earned” is something that needs to be highlighted.” 

The biggest issue in the negotiations is revenue-sharing, which would ultimately result in an increase in players’ salaries. Stewart called the first proposal from the union and the counter from the league “black and white” to describe how far apart they were from each other. Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers called it “disrespectful.” 

Front Office Sports reported earlier this month that the union rejected the WNBA’s first CBA offer.