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May 25, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Sparks guard Lexie Brown (4), guard Jordin Canada (21) and coach Curt Miller react during the second half against the Las Vegas Aces at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

'They’re Going To Have To Change The Rule': Lexie Brown Laments On Huge European WNBA Invasion In New CBA

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 10:59 AM ET

Seattle Storm guard Lexie Brown talked about how she thinks the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with WNBA players can open the doors for more foreign players coming to the women’s league.

In a recent podcast interview, Lexie Brown got honest about how she thinks a new CBA can encourage more foreign players coming to the league.

“But with this new CBA, I can predict that more players are going to come over, but they can come over younger,” Brown said. “So we always have this conversation. And now everybody’s talking about lowering the age, one and done. If young European players start coming over here and taking spots, they’re going to have to change the rule.”

The WNBA and its players’ union are currently in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), as the current deal is set to expire after the 2025 season. Discussions are focused on increasing player salaries, improving travel standards, and enhancing benefits like maternity leave and career development opportunities.

While no new agreement has been finalized yet, players and league officials are working toward a deal that could significantly impact the future of the league.

WNBA players have been increasingly vocal about the ongoing CBA negotiations, emphasizing the need for higher salaries, better benefits, and improved working conditions.

The WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) opted out of the current CBA in October 2024, signaling their intent to push for transformative changes before the new agreement takes effect in 2026.

Lexie Brown Gets Honest About Her CBA Expectations

In an interview with The Next earlier this year, Lexie Brown got honest about what she thinks of the ongoing talks for a new collective bargaining agreement between the WNBA and its players.

“I would be eternally grateful to the Sparks organization for giving me that extension despite not knowing if I was ever going to play basketball again,” she said. “So, yeah, I’m very excited for the new CBA. I don’t want any part in that first year of contract negotiations, because it’s going to be absurd, but it’s going to be fun to talk about it and report on it.”

“But it’s great for everybody, and this year, I think, is critical for us as players as well, to continue to put a good product on the floor and get more eyeballs on the W and continue to keep [our] value high.”

Jul 22, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Sparks guard Lexie Brown (4) attempts to knock the ball away from Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale (24) during the first quarter at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Days after this interview was published, news of Brown getting acquired by the Seattle Storm was announced.

Jan 28, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Team Russell guard Lexie Brown (4) dribbles the ball during the during the second quarter against Team Carrington at Athletes Unlimited Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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