WNBA star Candace Parker criticizes players' performance during the All-Star Game in her initial podcast episode.
The 2022 WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations have been a focal point in the league, with players seeking significant improvements in financial and working conditions. The current agreement, which was initially set to expire in 2027, was opted out of by the players in October 2024, aiming to negotiate a new agreement sooner.
However, progress in the negotiations has been limited. Multiple sessions, including a notable in-person meeting during the 2025 All-Star Weekend involving over 40 players, have yielded little progress. Players have described the talks as a "wasted opportunity" and expressed frustration at the league’s insufficient response to their proposals.
The players' key demands centre around a "transformational" deal that includes revenue sharing, improved working conditions, and roster expansion. They seek a fairer share of the booming business the league has built, reflecting increases in media rights, attendance, team valuations, and expansion fees. The WNBPA has emphasized that their proposals call for parity closer to men’s professional leagues, seeking a revenue split approaching 50-50, whereas currently the players receive under 10% of revenues.
The league ownership includes NBA owners holding 42%, other WNBA owners 42%, and an investment group that raised $75 million in 2022. The $325 million sale of the Connecticut Sun in 2025 exemplifies the growing league valuation, which players cite to justify their demands for a greater revenue share.
As the deadline for a new CBA approaches, the possibility of a work stoppage or lockout starting with the 2026 season cannot be ruled out. The urgency is heightened by the upcoming expansion draft for the new franchises in Portland and Toronto for the 2026 season, necessitating a CBA in place by then or shortly thereafter to avoid disruption.
Meanwhile, the WNBA All-Star Game, played on July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, served as a platform for players to express their frustration. Fans inside the arena chanted "Pay them" during league commissioner Cathy Engelbert's address. Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes held up a sign reading "PAY THE PLAYERS" during the game.
The All-Star Game saw Team Collier beat Team Clark, 151-131, with Naphessa Collier named MVP. However, the event was marred by criticism from retired WNBA legend Candace Parker, who criticized the players' lack of effort in the game. Parker compared the WNBA All-Stars' performance to that of NBA players, stating it was a missed opportunity to maximize the impact of their "Pay Us What You Owe Us" shirts.
Kelsey Plum, a Los Angeles Sparks guard, confirmed that a meeting was held the morning of the All-Star Game regarding the players' decision to wear the shirts. Despite this, Parker's criticism was met with pushback from players such as Aliyah Boston, an Indiana Fever forward, who stated that the players demonstrate their worth every night during the WNBA season.
As the negotiations continue, the hope is to have a new CBA in place in October. However, if an agreement isn't reached before the 2026 season, a lockout could occur, potentially disrupting the league's growth and the players' careers.
- Fans inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse chanted "Pay them" during league commissioner Cathy Engelbert's address at the 2022 WNBA All-Star Game.
- The WNBPA (Women's National Basketball Players Association) is pushing for revenue sharing and improved working conditions, aiming for a revenue split approaching 50-50, in contrast to the current less than 10%.
- The league ownership is divided, with NBA owners holding 42%, other WNBA owners 42%, and an investment group that raised $75 million in 2022 holding the remaining 16%.
- In 2025, the Connecticut Sun was sold for $325 million, a testament to the growing valuation of the WNBA.
- Retired WNBA legend Candace Parker criticized the players' performance in the 2022 WNBA All-Star Game, stating it was a missed opportunity to make an impact with their "Pay Us What You Owe Us" shirts.
- If a new CBA isn't reached before the 2026 season, a lockout could occur, potentially disrupting the league's growth and the players' careers.
