The Minnesota Lynx, led by Napheesa Collier, are determined to complete their mission of winning the championship following their heartbreaking defeat in the 2024 WNBA Finals. However, as they prepare for the upcoming season, Collier has revealed that the most unexpected difficulties come not from on-court challenges but from ongoing WNBA CBA negotiations.
Team Stability Contrasts with Unsettled Contract Discussions
While many teams face setbacks due to injuries or internal conflicts, the Lynx have maintained stability, keeping the same roster that took them to the Finals. Despite this, compensation concerns remain unresolved. Players have long pushed for salary increases, and as the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) talks commence, Collier is experiencing these negotiations firsthand, finding them more frustrating than anticipated.
Collier Shares Insights on Negotiation Complexities
Speaking on the A Touch More podcast, Collier opened up about her inexperience with CBA bargaining, saying,
“This is my first true CBA. I came in when it became effective on the last one, so I didn’t have any experience in the negotiations,”
and added,
“I underestimated the tomfoolery that goes into it.”
Though outside observers remain unsure about the detailed happenings behind closed doors, visible signs suggest limited progress has been made. Player dissatisfaction was publicly demonstrated at the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, where athletes wore shirts stating,
“Pay Us What You Owe Us,”
signaling their frustration directly to league owners.
Collier’s Leadership Role in WNBPA Negotiations
Beyond her duties as a player, Collier holds the position of vice president within the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA). This role places her at the forefront of discussions, representing players‘ interests during these critical talks. Her perspective is distinct from many teammates, as she must navigate complex negotiations on multiple fronts.
Megan Rapinoe Describes the Negotiation Environment
Adding to the understanding of the negotiation process, Megan Rapinoe described it as a continuous stream of communications, saying,
“I feel like going through it, it’s just like stuff all the time. It’s like emails and group chats, and proposals. It’s also stuff within your own group where you have this ever-present reality show that is happening in the background and foreground all the time,”
which highlights the intense and sometimes chaotic nature of the discussions.
Countdown to Agreement Amidst Risk of Lockout
During the WNBA All-Star break, the league and players convened to make headway toward a new CBA but fell short of reaching an agreement. With time running out, the possibility of a lockout looms as a significant threat to the 2025 season. Collier acknowledged the urgency, stating,
“We’re on a time crunch. No one wants a lockout,”
while emphasizing,
“But at the end of the day, we have to stand firm and we’re not going to be moved on certain topics. So hopefully the league comes back quickly so that we can get have more dialogue, more conversations and can get the ball rolling.”
The Battle Between Competitive Goals and Contract Negotiations
Despite the pressures from the unresolved CBA, Collier and the Lynx remain focused on striving for a championship this season. Yet, the ongoing wage dispute threatens to overshadow on-court efforts and could extend far beyond the current season, impacting players and the league‘s future in significant ways.