The second season of the Unrivaled women’s basketball league is now underway.
MORE: Unrivaled basketball teams, rosters 2026: Full list of players
Aside from the action on the court, one of the main talking points on the minds of fans and players participating in the league are the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations between the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association, especially with the current agreement set to expire on January 9, as per ESPN.
Collier’s firm message
Even though she is unable to play due to injury, Unrivaled co-founder and Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier – who last season offered strong criticism directed towards WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert – gave her thoughts on the matter whilst appearing on a broadcast on TNT.
“Being on this side with Unrivaled, I know what it takes to run a sustainable business. I think if they can’t find a model that makes it happen, they need to put people in place who can.”
Napheesa Collier on the current CBA negotiations 👀 pic.twitter.com/DJz1xz6VNV
— Winsidr (@Winsidr) January 6, 2026
“I think you just heard a lot of chatter about…what we’re asking for is not sustainable for the business,” Collier said.
“And being on this side with Unrivaled, I know what it takes to run a sustainable business. So, I think if they can’t find a model that makes it happen they need to put people in place who can.”
Mar 17, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Rose BC guard Chelsea Gray (12) drives to the basket past Vinyl BC guard Rhyne Howard (10) during the third quarter of the Unrivaled Championship game at Wayfair Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Collier reiterated that players throughout the WNBA are adamant on getting what they believe they deserve with the deadline looming for CBA discussions.
“I do think a deal is going to get done but we’re standing firm in what we believe in. We’re not going to back down and we can’t take less,” she said.
“The sport has just grown too much. It would be a disservice to the people who came before us, to the work that we’ve put in to take less than what we’re owed.”
While it remains to be seen what outcome will be reached in regards to the CBA, for now, WNBA fans can continue to focus on the basketball on display at Unrivaled.
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