WNBA pushes back on WNBPA's work stoppage authorization

The WNBA pushed back Thursday against the Women’s National Basketball Players Association after players overwhelmingly voted to authorize a potential work stoppage amid ongoing collective bargaining negotiations.

In a statement released in response to the vote, the league acknowledged players’ right to authorize a strike but disputed the union’s portrayal of the negotiations.

“While we acknowledge the players’ right to authorize a future work stoppage, we strongly disagree with the WNBPA’s characterization of the current state of negotiations, which fundamentally misrepresents the ongoing discussions taking place at the bargaining table,” the league said, as reported by ESPN’s Alexa Philippou on X, formerly Twitter. “The league remains steadfast in its commitment to reaching an agreement as soon as possible and delivering a 30th season for the players, fans, teams, and partners. We have negotiated in good faith and with urgency, and remain focused on finalizing a new collective bargaining agreement that not only meaningfully enhances player pay, benefits, and experience, but also does so in a way that ensures the long-term growth of the game and the league’s capacity to serve the next generation of WNBA players.”

The WNBPA announced earlier Thursday that its members voted to grant the union’s executive committee the authority to call a strike “when necessary.” The union said 93% of eligible players participated in the vote, with 98% approving strike authorization according to Kevin Pelton of ESPN. The union emphasized that the vote was not a call for an immediate strike.

The league said it has negotiated “in good faith and with urgency,” citing proposals that include “significant immediate salary increases and a new uncapped revenue-sharing model that would ensure continued salary growth tied to revenue growth.”

Any decision to initiate a strike would rest with the WNBPA’s seven-member executive committee, led by president Nneka Ogwumike. A work stoppage would be the first labor action in WNBA history.

The current collective bargaining agreement was originally set to expire Oct. 31 but has been extended multiple times, most recently through Jan. 9. Those extensions allow either side to terminate the agreement with 48 hours’ notice, which could result in a strike or lockout.

Speaking during USA Basketball camp last week, WNBPA first vice president Kelsey Plum described negotiations as “a little bit disheartening,” pointing to frustration over how far apart the sides remain.