The WNBA’s first face-to-face collective bargaining meeting was supposed to bring clarity. Instead, it left players and league officials further apart than ever.
Over 40 players met with league officials in Indianapolis on Thursday for what many hoped would be a breakthrough session. But the hours-long discussion only highlighted how wide the gap remains on revenue sharing and other key issues. Two-time MVP Breanna Stewart didn’t mince words when she called the entire meeting a “wasted opportunity.”
What Went Wrong During Thursday’s CBA Meeting?
Stewart, who serves as vice president of the players’ union, made her frustration clear when reporters asked about progress. “No,” she said when asked if any decisions had been reached, before adding: “I think yesterday’s meeting was good for the fact that we could be in the same room as the league and the Board of Governors. But, I think, to be frank, it was a wasted opportunity.”
Breanna Stewart said there was “a lot of fluff” at the first in-person CBA meeting Thursday.
“I think yesterday’s meeting was good for the fact that we could be in the same room as the league and the board of governors. But, I think, to be frank, it was a wasted opportunity.” https://t.co/WP9CcEKx0Z pic.twitter.com/ryp36YVM0A
— Colin Salao (@colincsalao) July 18, 2025
The session’s structure drew heavy criticism from Stewart, who complained that formalities took priority over substance. “There was a ton of ‘fluff’ in the meeting, and the first 45 minutes were spent on introductions,” she said. Stewart described the positions as “black and white,” emphasizing that the union’s offer and the league’s counteroffer remain far apart.
New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud echoed Stewart’s assessment. “I would say I don’t think any progress is made,” Cloud told Front Office Sports.
Cloud emphasized the players’ unified stance heading into negotiations. The guard noted that this unity means players are not only competing on the court but also demonstrating their understanding of their financial worth. She stressed their commitment to fighting for what they’ve earned, particularly emphasizing the word “earned” when discussing these matters.
Why Are Players Calling the League’s Offer Disrespectful?
Dallas Wings’ rookie Paige Bueckers didn’t hold back when describing the league’s first counterproposal, calling it “disrespectful.” Bueckers’ reaction reflects widespread player dissatisfaction with the league’s response to the union’s initial offer, which was rejected in early July.
The fundamental disagreement centers on revenue distribution. WNBA athletes currently receive roughly 9.3% of total league earnings, while NBA players take home 51%. The union wants a more balanced split that reflects the league’s recent growth in attendance, viewership, and expansion fees.
This revenue gap has become the defining issue of negotiations, with players arguing their compensation should match the league’s rising profile and financial success.
WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike acknowledged that introductions at the meeting were brief. However, neither she nor executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson would specify when the next round of talks will take place. The compressed nature of the 2024-25 season means future meetings may need to happen remotely.
Without significant movement from both sides, this stalemate threatens not only the league’s schedule but also its ambitious expansion plans. The divide that emerged from Thursday’s meeting suggests both parties have considerable work ahead before reaching common ground.
