WNBA on the rise

[Déjà Bru]

Originally Posted by LD84

I hope they can reach an agreement, but I would also not be surprised if we see some sort of labor stoppage in the near future.

Uh-oh.

Breanna Stewart explains why players are 'frustrated' by WNBA's initial proposal in critical CBA negotiations

Stewart and the players felt their requests were 'ignored' by the WNBA's first proposal

The 2025 season is a massive one for the WNBA for a few reasons. The league is in the midst of a surge in popularity that has led to six new expansion teams, including the Golden State Valkyries who are in their inaugural season currently, and just secured a new national TV rights deal as part of the NBA's broader contract.

That means money is flowing into the W at a rate never seen before and the players want to ensure they are getting their fair share. Prior to the season, WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike laid out some of the biggest focal points for the players in negotiations, including codifying charter travel and an increase in the share of revenue that goes to the players. However, the preseason optimism that the two sides would be able to work out an agreement that both parties were happy with has waned on the players' side after receiving the WNBA's first proposal.

Satou Sabally called it "a slap in the face" when talking to reporters on Tuesday, and Breanna Stewart echoed that sentiment on Thursday by saying it felt like the players were "ignored" by the WNBA's initial offer.