New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart described the recent WNBA collective bargaining agreement (CBA) meeting as a “wasted opportunity,” reflecting frustration over the lack of meaningful advancement in negotiations held on Thursday in Indianapolis. The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) met with league officials and the board of governors for the first face-to-face talks since December, seeking significant changes to the current agreement before it expires after the 2025 season.
The meeting included dozens of players, such as Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Caitlin Clark, and Paige Bueckers, who assembled to discuss key concerns surrounding player salaries, revenue sharing, and the future framework of the league. Despite the lengthy session, Stewart expressed disappointment that the bulk of the discussion failed to go beyond surface-level topics.
Meeting Hindered by Unproductive Formalities and Divergent Priorities
Stewart highlighted how the initial portion of the meeting, nearly 45 minutes, was consumed by lengthy introductions she viewed as unnecessary given the familiarity between participants from both sides. She remarked on the irony of the situation, stating,
“One would think… Don’t you already know each other?”
as members waited to engage in substantive dialogue.
She added,
“I think [Thursday’s] meeting was good for the fact that we could be in the same room as the league and the board of governors and that type of thing, but I think, to be frank, it was a wasted opportunity,”
emphasizing the missed chance to thoroughly explore critical issues.
“We could have really gotten into a deeper dive of everything, but we there was a lot of fluff that we couldn’t get past, and it sucks because situations like that aren’t gonna happen again because players are playing for different teams and different leagues and this is the only time to have a group together like this.”
Stalemate Over Salaries and Revenue Sharing Creates Tension
The player side has been clear that their goals extend beyond mere salary increases, aiming for transformational change within the league’s structure and financial model. Nearly every non-rookie scale contract player faces free agency this winter, increasing the urgency for a new agreement that addresses long-term compensation and revenue distribution.
Stewart explained the major sticking point in negotiations, stating,
“The biggest thing that’s the hold up right now is we want more salaries, we want bigger salaries and that type of thing, but we want to talk about the percentages and the revenue share.”
She continued,
“Based on their most recent proposal, we just aren’t able to get to a place where we’re actually even talking about the same thing. I think that’s the hardest thing. Our first offer and then their counter was black and white.”
Limited Window for In-Person Discussions Increases Pressure
This weekend’s gathering marked the final opportunity for key stakeholders from both sides to meet in person before returning to virtual communications, including video conferences and document exchanges handled through lawyers. Stewart expressed frustration over the slow pace and urged greater urgency going forward.
“At some point these are conversations and topics that need to be addressed and I feel that both sides want to get them done, but at the same time we need to have a little bit more of a sense of urgency,”
she said.
“Because if we don’t have it figured out at the end of the season, we have bigger things to worry about.”
Player Unity Signals Strong Resolve Despite Risk of Work Stoppage
Since the WNBA’s inception in 1997, the league has avoided a work stoppage. While neither the players nor the league desire a labor disruption, the strong turnout at Thursday’s meeting, with over 40 players attending, underscored the collective determination of the player group.
Stewart noted the league may have underestimated the players’ level of commitment, stating,
“I think what I could feel was [the league’s] shock and maybe just realization of how important this is to us based on the number of people that were in the room.”
She added,
“I don’t think they knew exactly how many players were gonna be there. It wasn’t just All-Stars, players from different teams that have nothing going on this weekend and wanted to be here for this meeting.”
The ongoing tension in the WNBA CBA talks, centered on salary increases and revenue sharing, places pressure on both sides to reach an agreement quickly. With the current contract set to last just through the 2025 season and so many players approaching free agency, the stakes are high in shaping the league’s future financial and operational landscape.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What surgery did Breanna Stewart have?
A. NEW YORK (AP) — Breanna Stewart underwent a minor surgical procedure on her right knee, according to someone with knowledge of the situation. This individual shared the information privately as they were not permitted to discuss it openly.
Q. Did Breanna Stewart have surgery?
A. Breanna Stewart of the Liberty team recently had knee surgery. Despite the operation, Stewart, a two-time WNBA MVP, is expected back for training camp. There should be no issues with her participating in the next season.