The WNBA Gamers Affiliation stated on Thursday that its members have authorised its government committee to name for a strike “when obligatory” as labour negotiations proceed with the league.
“The gamers have spoken,” the WNBPA stated in an announcement. “By way of a decisive vote with historic participation, our membership has authorised the WNBPA’s (seven-member) Government Committee to name a strike when obligatory. The gamers’ choice is an unavoidable response to the state of negotiations with the WNBA and its groups.”
The WNBPA stated that 93 per cent of eligible gamers voted this week and 98 per cent of these favoured authorising a strike.
“Again and again, the gamers’ considerate and affordable method has been met by the WNBA and its groups with a resistance to vary and a recommitment to the draconian provisions which have unfairly restricted gamers for practically three a long time,” the gamers union stated. “The gamers’ vote is neither a name for an fast strike nor an intention to pursue one. Quite, it’s an emphatic affirmation of the gamers’ confidence of their management and their unwavering solidarity in opposition to ongoing efforts to divide, conquer, and undervalue them.
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“Let or not it’s identified. The gamers stay united, resolute, and ready to struggle for his or her worth and their future.”
Labour talks have been prolonged from the preliminary deadline of October 31 to November 30, then once more simply minutes earlier than the collective bargaining settlement expired to January 9, 2026.
The gamers exercised their opt-out of that settlement final 12 months, with participant salaries and the revenue-sharing mannequin amongst their key points. Different priorities embrace minimal requirements in amenities, constitution journey insurance policies and expanded retirement and household planning advantages, ESPN reported.
In saying the second extension, the WNBA stated both get together has the choice to terminate the extension with 48 hours’ advance discover.
Failure to achieve an settlement might lead to a piece stoppage with the gamers happening strike or the house owners initiating a lockout.
Additionally they might proceed with the present CBA or comply with a brand new one, although the perimeters appear far aside in negotiations, per experiences.
The league issued an announcement on Thursday following the gamers union’s announcement in regards to the gamers’ vote.
“Whereas we acknowledge the gamers’ proper to authorise a future work stoppage, we strongly disagree with the WNBPA’s characterisation of the present state of negotiations, which basically misrepresents the continuing discussions happening on the bargaining desk,” the WNBA stated. “It’s obscure claims that the league is resistant to vary, notably provided that we’re proposing quite a few CBA modifications together with important fast wage will increase and a brand new uncapped revenue-sharing mannequin that might guarantee continued wage progress tied to income progress.”
The league stated it is dedicated to reaching an settlement as quickly as potential and taking part in a thirtieth season in 2026. The WNBA has by no means missed video games due to a strike or work stoppage.
“We have now negotiated in good religion and with urgency, and stay centered on finalising a brand new collective bargaining settlement that not solely meaningfully enhances participant pay, advantages, and expertise, but additionally does so in a approach that ensures the long-term progress of the sport and the league’s capability to serve the subsequent era of WNBA gamers,” the WNBA stated within the assertion.
Printed on Dec 19, 2025