The WNBA has seen significant growth this past season from both viewership and popularity perspectives. This burgeoning success has set the stage for potentially transformative negotiations for the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) as the league prepares for what could prove to be pivotal discussions.
On March 7, 2025, prominent players Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky and Dijonai Carrington of the Dallas Wings shed light on their expectations for the negotiations during the latest episode of Reese's podcast, "Unapologetically Angel." During this episode, both stars made it clear: the players are prepared to walk away from the table if their demands are not met.
“Yeah, the CBA is coming up,” Reese stated. "We deserve more. Everybody, everybody. But we have to face the consequences? The women coming in next year are probably gonna be making more than us. I gotta get in the meetings. Because I’m hearing… If y’all don’t give us what we want, we sitting out.”
Alongside her, Carrington affirmed, “Yeah, that's a possibility. For real, it was kind of a possibility on the last one. But now, just with the leverage we have right now, it’s just a time where women’s basketball is going crazy.”
Statements made by Reese and Carrington have sparked conversations throughout social media, highlighting the players’ frustrations with their financial arrangements. On March 8, Reese posted on X, addressing the misconceptions surrounding her comments. “I love how yall have selective hearing,” she remarked. "I said ‘I’m hearing if they don’t give us what we want, we sitting out’ and that's the truth. I never said anything about the NBA. We are prepared to stay at the negotiating table for as long as it takes.”
The urgency of these talks has been amplified by significant changes since the last CBA was established. Last October, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) opted out of its existing agreement, which was originally set to expire in 2027 but will now conclude after the 2025 season.
With the league bringing in the highest average viewership it has seen in 24 years—657,000 fans tuning in for televised games—players have valid grounds to insist on more equitable compensation. This season's surge undoubtedly provides leverage for star players like Reese and Carrington as they advocate for what they believe is their fair share. It’s anticipated the 2025 rookie class could earn more than current players due to adjustments made within the upcoming CBA.
“We deserve more, everybody,” Reese emphasized, highlighting the potential disparities between current and future WNBA players’ salaries. She noted, "The [2026 WNBA rookie class] are probably gonna be making more than us.” With the looming expiration of the CBA, players are expected to push hard for increases to pay, improved working conditions, and substantial benefits.
One major focal point for the negotiations will be the revenue sharing between players and owners, which has long been unbalanced compared to the NBA's model. Historically, WNBA players have pleaded for equitable distribution of basketball-related income, akin to what NBA players receive—a 50-50 split with team owners.
The financial backdrop of the negotiations has been strengthened by the WNBA's recent 11-year media deal, valued at $2.2 billion, struck with Disney, Amazon Prime Video, and NBCUniversal, set to begin next year. With these developments, the stakes have never been higher for the union and its members.
Beyond mere salary concerns, players are also anticipated to advocate for improvements such as facility and travel standards, expanded retirement benefits, and increased family support measures, which could radically change the league's dynamic as they prepare for the 2025 season starting this May.
Unfortunately for Reese, her own financial situation paints another picture of urgency. She recently shared on social media how her current WNBA salary—approximately $73,439—barely covers her living expenses, pointing out her monthly rent at $8,000. Her comments shed light on the stark reality many players face and the pressing need for changes within the league’s economic structure.
“I just hope you know the WNBA don't pay my bills at all,” Reese earlier stated. "I don't even think it pays one of my bills. Literally, I'm trying to think of my rent for where I stay at. I’m living beyond my means!”
Despite the potential of misinformation swirling around players’ comments on social media, Reese remains focused on utilizing her platform to advocate for change. She continues to call attention to the financial disparities, emphasizing the need for discussions at the negotiating table.
Each player, including those who participated alongside Reese, are striving for professional standards akin to those of their male counterparts, and they are gaining momentum due to both grassroots support and the league's rising visibility. The next few months will undoubtedly be pivotal as the WNBA navigates its current CBA negotiations.
Expect the collective voices of players to intensify leading up to the 2025 season as they seek to redefine their future and secure the substantial compensation and support they deserve in the rapidly growing arena of women’s professional sports.