The WNBA Players Association said Thursday that its members have authorized its executive committee to call for a strike \u201cwhen necessary\u201d as labor negotiations continue with the league.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe players have spoken,\u201d the WNBPA said in a statement. \u201cThrough a decisive vote with historic participation, our membership has authorized \u200dthe WNBPA\u2019s (seven-member) Executive Committee to call a strike when necessary. The players\u2019 decision is an unavoidable response to the state of negotiations with the WNBA and its teams.\u201d<\/p>\n
The WNBPA said that 93% of eligible players voted this week and 98% of those favored authorizing a strike.<\/p>\n
\u201cTime and again, the players\u2019 thoughtful and reasonable approach has been met by the WNBA and its teams with a resistance to change and a recommitment to the draconian provisions that have unfairly restricted players for \u200cnearly three decades,\u201d the players union said. \u201cThe players\u2019 vote is neither a call \u200cfor an immediate strike nor an intention to pursue one. Rather, it is an emphatic affirmation of the players\u2019 confidence in their leadership and their unwavering solidarity against ongoing efforts to divide, conquer, and undervalue them.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet it be known. The players remain united, resolute, and prepared to fight for their value and their future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Labor talks were extended from \u200bthe initial deadline of Oct. 31 to Nov. 30, then again just minutes before the collective bargaining agreement expired to Jan. 9, 2026.<\/p>\n
The players exercised their opt-out of that agreement last year, with player salaries and \u200dthe revenue-sharing model among their key issues. Other priorities include \u200bminimum standards in facilities, charter travel policies and expanded retirement and family planning benefits, \u200bESPN reported.<\/p>\n
In announcing the second extension, the WNBA said either party has the option to terminate the extension with \u200d48 hours\u2019 advance notice.<\/p>\n
Failure to reach an agreement could result in a work stoppage with the players going on strike or the owners initiating a lockout.<\/p>\n
They also could continue with the current CBA or agree to a new one, though the sides seem far apart in negotiations, per reports.<\/p>\n
The league issued a statement on Thursday following the players union\u2019s announcement about the players\u2019 vote.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile we acknowledge the players\u2019 right to authorize \u200da future work stoppage, we strongly disagree with the WNBPA\u2019s characterization of the current state of negotiations, which fundamentally misrepresents the ongoing discussions taking place at the bargaining table,\u201d the WNBA said. \u201cIt is difficult to understand claims that \u200dthe league is resistant to change, particularly \u200dgiven that we are proposing numerous CBA modifications including significant immediate salary increases \u200band a new uncapped revenue-sharing model that would ensure continued salary growth tied \u200bto revenue \u2060growth.\u201d<\/p>\n
The league said it is committed to reaching an agreement as soon \u200cas possible and playing a 30th season in 2026. The WNBA has never missed games because of a strike or work stoppage.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have negotiated in good faith and with urgency, and remain focused on finalizing a new collective bargaining agreement that not only meaningfully enhances player pay, benefits, and experience, but also does so in a way that ensures the long-term growth of the game and the league\u2019s capacity to serve the next generation of WNBA players,\u201d the WNBA said \u2060in the statement.<\/p>\n
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