The WNBA players union has voted to opt out of the collective bargaining agreement with the league. The current CBA will expire on Oct. 31, 2025, giving both sides approximately a year to negotiate a new agreement.
“This is a defining moment, not just for the WNBA, but for all of us who believe in progress,” WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike said in a statement. “The world has evolved since 2020, and we cannot afford to stand still. If we stay in the current agreement, we fall behind. This is a new era, and we are ready to lead transformational change — change that goes beyond women’s sports and sets a precedent for something greater. Opting out isn’t just about bigger paychecks — it’s about claiming our rightful share of the business we’ve built.”
The WNBA has seen explosive growth this season, driven by a rookie class led by Indiana’s Caitlin Clark and the Sky’s Angel Reese.
Last week, Reese highlighted the WNBA’s meager salaries during an Instagram live video when she shared her income from the league doesn’t pay her bills.
Last month, the league said 2024 was its most-watched regular season in 24 years and finished with its highest attendance in 22 years and set records for digital consumption and merchandise sales. The WNBA previously signed a historic 11-year media rights deal worth $200 million a year.
According to numbers provided by the WNBPA, ESPN regular season viewership increased 70% and CBS’ ratings were up 86%.
“This isn’t some sudden wake-up call — it’s the culmination of what we’ve been driving for over the last several seasons,” union vice president Kelsey Plum said.
In its statement, the WNBPA listed several priorities for a new CBA:
New economic model: Transforming the current system by introducing an equity-based model that grows and evolves in step with the league’s business success.Player salaries: Establishing clear distinctions between salary and bonuses, ensuring players receive wages that properly reflect their value and contributions.Minimum professional standards: Implementing consistent minimum standards that align with other leading professional sports leagues, maintaining professional and safe environments across the league, including practice and game facilities, as well as travel accommodations. Retirement benefits: Expanding retirement benefits to provide greater financial security and health benefits to the players for their life after basketball. Pregnancy and family planning benefits: Fair and accessible family planning support for all players, including retirement benefits that provide long-term security for their families.