Breadcrumb Trail Links
Sports
Basketball
The union feels a lack of urgency from the league in reaching a new collective bargaining agreement
Author of the article:
AFP
Published Aug 26, 2025 • 2 minute read
WNBA star Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever wears a T-shirt saying, "Pay us what you owe us," as a message over struggling talks over a new union agreement during last month's WNBA All-Star Game
WNBA star Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever wears a T-shirt saying, "Pay us what you owe us," as a message over struggling talks over a new union agreement during last month's WNBA All-Star Game. Photo by Steph Chambers /GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File
Article content
NEW YORK — Revitalized by Caitlin Clark and other stars and boosted by a new media rights deal, the Women’s NBA is struggling to reach a union deal 60 days before the deadline.
Advertisement 2
The Province
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events.
Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account.
The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword.
Support local journalism.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events.
Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account.
The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword.
Support local journalism.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
Enjoy additional articles per month.
Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
Enjoy additional articles per month
Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
Women’s National Basketball Players Association executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson told sports business website Front Office Sports in a story published Monday that the union feels a lack of urgency from the league in reaching a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Article content
Article content
That could force the sides to try to extend the current October 31 deadline to make a deal but it could also herald a labor shutdown and lockout, in lieu of a deal.
“The players are working diligently to achieve a transformational CBA that builds on the growth, momentum, and positive news surrounding women’s sports and the W,” Jackson told Front Office Sports in a statement.
“As we approach the 60-day mark, the league’s lack of urgency leaves players wondering if it is focused on making this work or just running out the clock. Fans do not want that. They are with the players in demanding a new standard for the W.”
Canucks Report Banner
Canucks Report
Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat.
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Thanks for signing up!
A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Canucks Report will soon be in your inbox.
We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again
Article content
Advertisement 3
Article content
Players made their own statement while warming up at last month’s WNBA All-Star Game, wearing black shirts with white lettering that said, “Pay Us What You Owe Us,” in regards to the labor talks.
Clark, who in 2024 became the all-time leading scorer in US college basketball history for men or women, signed with the WNBA’s Indiana Fever and is in her second season with the club, which has been at the heart of record viewership and attendance figures for the 13-team league, which began play in 1997.
That led to the WNBA getting $200 million a season starting next year as part of an 11-year media rights deal worth $2.2 billion the NBA signed with Disney, Amazon and NBCUniversal. That begins next year.
Five new teams to come
The WNBA will also receive record fees for expansion teams in Portland and Toronto, set to begin play in 2026, and others worth $250 million each for Detroit, Cleveland and Philadelphia that will take the court by 2030.
Advertisement 4
Article content
The current WNBA regular season will last until September 11 with the playoffs lasting until October 19 at the latest.
Both sides could agree to extend the deadline to avoid a work stoppage and continue talks, as they did in 2019 to set the stage for a new deal in early 2020.
The league must hammer out details of an expansion draft in the labor talks, with a new contract needed to settle free agency and expansion details.
And while the 2025 playoffs are not threatened, a strike or lockout is also a possibility if no deal is made by the end of October.
There are also two rival leagues to consider, who could offer top WNBA talent other options without a new union contract.
Priorities for the union in making a transitional WNBA deal include improved revenue sharing, benefits such as better plane travel, expanded rosters and improved workplace standards.
The first in-person talks came during All-Star Game weekend last month in Indianapolis, but union vice presidents Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier described them as a waste of time due to big differences over revenue sharing.
Article content
Share this article in your social network
Comments